from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stanch \Stanch\, a. [Compar. {Stancher} (-[~e]r); superl.
{Stanchest}.] [From {Stanch}, v. t., and hence literally
signifying, stopped or stayed; cf. Sp. estanco stopped,
tight, not leaky, as a ship. See {Stanch}, v. t.] [Written
also {staunch}.]
1. Strong and tight; sound; firm; as, a stanch ship.
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One of the closets is parqueted with plain deal, set
in diamond, exceeding stanch and pretty. --Evelyn.
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2. Firm in principle; constant and zealous; loyal; hearty;
steady; steadfast; as, a stanch churchman; a stanch friend
or adherent. --V. Knox.
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In politics I hear you 're stanch. --Prior.
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3. Close; secret; private. [Obs.]
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This is to be kept stanch. --Locke.
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