Definition of: stanch

(stanch, stänch) v.t.
1. To stop or check the flow of (blood, etc.).
2. To stop the flow of blood from (a wound).
3. Obs. To quench; quell; put an end to. Also spelled staunch.
—adjective & noun Staunch. [<OF estanchier halt, bring to a stop, make stand, ult. <L stare stand]
—stanch′er noun♦ The spelling stanch is preferred for the verb in both England and the United States, and staunch for the adjective. Many writers use one or the other spelling for both.