haunch

American  

[hawnch, hahnch] / hɔntʃ, hɑntʃ /

noun

1. the hip.

2. the fleshy part of the body about the hip.

3. a hindquarter of an animal.

4. the leg and loin of an animal, used for food.

5. Architecture.

   1. either side of an arch, extending from the vertex or crown to the impost.

   2. the part of a beam projecting below a floor or roof slab.

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haunch British  

/ hɔːntʃ /

noun

1. the human hip or fleshy hindquarter of an animal, esp a horse or similar quadruped

2. the leg and loin of an animal, used for food

   a haunch of venison

3. Also called: hance.  architect the part of an arch between the impost and the apex

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Other Word Forms

• haunched adjective
• haunchless adjective

Etymology

Origin of haunch

1150–1200; Middle English haunche < Old French hanche < Germanic; compare Middle Dutch hanke haunch, hip, German Hanke haunch

Example Sentences

South said that there “is no question that the Democratic donor base has basically been sitting on their haunches waiting to see what Harris is going to do.”

From Los Angeles Times

There was a moment of knowing consternation among Sinner's supporters when he missed a first match point, but he reset to take his second opportunity before dropping to his haunches at the net.

From BBC

Soon after she arrived, a center staff member had delivered a shot full of phenobarbital and midazolam into her back haunch, to control the seizures.

From Los Angeles Times

As a rival striker bore down on his team’s goal, Guardiola — crouching on his haunches on the sideline — lost his balance and toppled over onto his back.

From New York Times

The British automaker, known for two-seat convertibles with a high coolness quotient, serves this vehicle up with scissor doors and rear haunches that convey power.

From Seattle Times