ˈhan(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: obsolete English hance, haunce lintel, from hance, haunce to raise, from Middle English hauncen, probably short for enhauncen — more at enhance
1. : a curved contour on a ship (as the fall of the fife rail to the deck)
2.
a.
(1) : the arc of minimum radius at the springing of an elliptical or similar arch
(2) : the haunch of an arch
b. : a small arch joining a straight lintel to a jamb