staunch 1
/stawnch/ , v.t., v.i., n.
stanch 1 .
staunch 2
/stawnch, stahnch/ , adj., stauncher, staunchest .
1. firm or steadfast in principle, adherence, loyalty, etc., as a person: a staunch Republican; a staunch friend.
2. characterized by firmness, steadfastness, or loyalty: He delivered a staunch defense of the government.
3. strong; substantial: a staunch little hut in the woods.
4. impervious to water or other liquids; watertight: a staunch vessel.
Also, stanch .
[ 1375-1425; late ME sta ( u ) nch estanche (fem.), estanc (masc.), deriv. of estancher to STANCH 1 ]
Syn. 1. constant, true, faithful. See steadfast. 2. resolute. 3. stout, sound.