Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Stanch \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.]