I.
variant of stanch
II. adjective
or stanch ˈstȯnch, -ä-, -ȧ- sometimes -a-, -aa(ə)-, -ai-
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French estanche, feminine of estanc, from Old French, from estancher to stanch
1.
a. : watertight , sound
a staunch ship
b. : strongly built : substantial
staunch cabin
2. : dependable to find, mark, or follow game
staunch hound
drill his dog … to make him staunch on point — W.F.Brown b. 1903
3. : constant and steadfast in loyalty : firm in principle : steady , true
the king's staunchest followers
staunch defender of free speech
staunch friend
staunch ally
Synonyms: see faithful