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.
  ◄ ►