Stanch /(stȧnch)/

imp. & p. p. Stanched; p. pr. & vb. n. Stanching

1. To stop the flowing of, as blood; to check; also, to stop the flowing of blood from; as, to stanch a wound.

   Iron or a stone laid to the neck doth stanch the bleeding of the nose.

2. To extinguish; to quench, as fire or thirst. [Obs.]

1. To cease, as the flowing of blood.

   Immediately her issue of blood stanched.

1. That which stanches or checks. [Obs.]
2. A flood gate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release.

1. Strong and tight; sound; firm; as, a stanch ship.

   One of the closets is parqueted with plain deal, set in diamond, exceeding stanch and pretty.

2. Firm in principle; constant and zealous; loyal; hearty; steady; steadfast; as, a stanch churchman; a stanch friend or adherent.

   In politics I hear you 're stanch.

3. Close; secret; private. [Obs.]

   This is to be kept stanch.

1. To prop; to make stanch, or strong.

   His gathered sticks to stanch the wall Of the snow tower when snow should fall.