What is "stancher"

Stanch \Stanch\, a. [Compar. Stancher (-[~e]r); 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 is to be kept stanch.
   --Locke.

Stancher \Stanch"er\ (st[.a]nch"[~e]r), n. One who, or that which, stanches, or stops, the flowing, as of blood.

n. One who, or that which, stanches or stops a flow.