The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.]
-
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. -
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. -
Close; secret; private. [Obs.]
This is to be kept stanch.
--Locke.
Wiktionary
a. (en-superlative of: stanch)
Usage examples of "stanchest".
Flowers bloom there, always, the reader can easily believe--people suffer and sweat, and swear, morning, noon and night, and wear out their stanchest energies fanning themselves.
I lay my commands upon you as your uncle and guardian, and I may say also as your best and stanchest friend, to be true to the solemn engagement which you have made with this young man.
Paul Gachet of Auvers-sur-l'Oise, who remains Vincent's stanchest friend in Europe.