\Stanch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Stanched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Stanching}.] [OF. estanchier, F. ['e]tancher to stpo a
liquid from flowing; akin to Pr., Sp., & Pg. estancar, It.
stancare to weary, LL. stancare, stagnare, to stanch, fr. L.
stagnare to be or make stagnant. See {Stagnate}.]
1. To stop the flowing of, as blood; to check; also, to stop
   the flowing of blood from; as, to stanch a wound. [Written
   also {staunch}.]
         Iron or a stone laid to the neck doth stanch the
         bleeding of the nose.                 --Bacon.
2. To extinguish; to quench, as fire or thirst. [Obs.]

\Stanch\, v. i.
To cease, as the flowing of blood.
      Immediately her issue of blood stanched. --Luke viii.
                                               44.

\Stanch\, n.
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.
   --Knight.

\Stanch\, a. [Compar. {Stancher}; 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.
         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. --V. Knox.
         In politics I hear you 're stanch.    --Prior.
3. Close; secret; private. [Obs.]
         This to be kept stanch.               --Locke.

\Stanch\, v. t.
To prop; to make stanch, or strong.
      His gathered sticks to stanch the wall Of the snow
      tower when snow should fall.             --Emerson.