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.