Word Direct Answers

What does "stanch" mean?

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

Additional senses

  1. 2.To cease, as the flowing of blood. Immediately her issue of blood stanched. Luke viii.
  2. 3.1. That which stanches or checks. [Obs.]
  3. 4.A flood gate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release. Knight.
  4. 5.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.
  5. 6.Firm in principle; constant and zealous; loyal; hearty; steady; steadfast; as, a stanch churchman; a stanch friend or adherent. V. Knox. In politics I hear you 're stanch. Prior.
  6. 7.Close; secret; private. [Obs.] This to be kept stanch. Locke.
  7. 8.To prop; to make stanch, or strong. His gathered sticks to stanch the wall Of the snow tower when snow should fall. Emerson.

Sources