Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Stanch \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.

Stancher \Stanch"er\, n.
   One who, or that which, stanches, or stops, the flowing, as
   of blood.