Stanch, a. [Compar. Stancher superl. Stanchest.] [Written also staunch.]
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. --Evelyn.
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. --Prior.
3. Close; secret; private. [Obs.]
This is to be kept stanch. --Locke.
Stanch·er n. One who, or that which, stanches, or stops, the flowing, as of blood.
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