I. ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch, ˈstanch transitive verb
or staunch ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch
Etymology: Middle English staunchen, from Anglo-French estancher, perhaps from Vulgar Latin * stanticare, from Latin stant-, stans, present participle
Date: 14th century
1. : to check or stop the flowing of
stanch ed her tears
also : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)
2. archaic : allay , extinguish
3.
a. : to stop or check in its course
trying to stanch the crime wave
b. : to make watertight : stop up
• stanch·er noun
II.
variant of staunch II