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  • manche
    manche
    noun
    a conventional representation of a sleeve with a flaring end, used as a charge.
  • Manche
    Manche
    noun
    a department in NW France. 2,476 sq. mi. (6,413 sq. km). Saint-Lô.

manche

1 American  
[mahnch] / mɑntʃ /
Or maunche,

noun

Heraldry.
  1. a conventional representation of a sleeve with a flaring end, used as a charge.


Manche 2 American  
[mahnsh] / mɑ̃ʃ /

noun

  1. a department in NW France. 2,476 sq. mi. (6,413 sq. km). Saint-Lô.


Manche British  
/ mɑ̃ʃ /

noun

  1. a department of NW France, in Basse-Normandie region. Capital: St-Lô. Pop: 484 967 (2003 est). Area: 6412 sq km (2501 sq miles)

  2. the French name for the English Channel

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of manche

1200–50; Middle English < Middle French < Latin manicae (plural) long sleeves, gloves, handcuffs, derivative of manus hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Now that the microphone was working, the umpire announced that it was over: Jeu, manche et match, Rogers.

From New York Times Aug. 21, 2014

Welles Empaled a coate defaced Welles   Empaled Verry a fesse G. B. a manche, d’or.

From Records of Woodhall Spa and Neighbourhood Historical, Anecdotal, Physiographical, and Archaeological, with Other Matter by James Conway Walter

His mother and the Baronne are very anxious about him, as if he really decides to "jeter le manche après la cognée," who is to pay his debts!

From The Visits of Elizabeth by Elinor Glyn

Another of his mots has often been quoted** and is most characteristic of the man: "S'il y a un coup de balai, je tacherai d'etre du cote du manche."

From Maximilian in Mexico A Woman's Reminiscences of the French Intervention 1862-1867 by Sara Yorke Stevenson

In France it goes by the names manche and broussette.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by William Thomas Fernie

"Take shelter and do not use your vehicle," the Manche prefecture warned on X, urging residents to prepare emergency lighting and a drinking water supply.

From Barron's Jan. 8, 2026

The Manche prefecture did not respond to calls for comments.

From Reuters May 25, 2023

Our friends at Get French Football News have sent over a few headlines from the other side of la Manche:

From The Guardian Oct. 5, 2020

Freek Manche, a spokesman for the education ministry, says the government has already provided universities with the means to compensate students whose studies have been delayed by their Olympic training regimes.

From BBC Jul. 6, 2012

It is bounded N. by the English Channel, E. by the department of Eure, S. by that of Orne, W. by that of Manche.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 1 "Calhoun" to "Camoens" by Various

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