Definition of: staunch

(stônch, stänch) adjective
1. Firm in principle; constant; faithful; loyal; trustworthy: a staunch friend.
2. Stout; sound; tight; seaworthy: a staunch ship; having firm constitution or construction; strong and vigorous; hearty.
—v.t. To stanch.
—noun Brit. Dial. A floodgate; weir; dam. Also spelled stanch. [<OF estanche watertight, reliable <estanchier make stand. See STANCH.]
—staunch′ly adverb
—staunch′ness noun Synonyms (adj.): firm, seaworthy, sound, stout, strong, taut, tight, trim, trustworthy, trusty. See FAITHFUL. Antonyms: crazy, leaky, rotten, unseaworthy, untrustworthy.