staunch
[ stawnch, stahnch ]
/ stɔntʃ, stɑntʃ /
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adjective, staunch·er, staunch·est.
firm or steadfast in principle, adherence, loyalty, etc., as a person: a staunch Republican; a staunch friend.
characterized by firmness, steadfastness, or loyalty: He delivered a staunch defense of the government.
strong; substantial: a staunch little hut in the woods.
impervious to water or other liquids; watertight: a staunch vessel.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Also stanch .
Origin of staunch
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English sta(u)nch, from Middle French estanche (feminine), estanc (masculine), derivative of estancher “to close, stop”; see stanch1
synonym study for staunch
1. See steadfast.
OTHER WORDS FROM staunch
staunchly, adverbstaunchness, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for staunch
British Dictionary definitions for staunch (1 of 2)
staunch1
/ (stɔːntʃ) /
adjective
loyal, firm, and dependablea staunch supporter
solid or substantial in construction
rare (of a ship, etc) watertight; seaworthy
Derived forms of staunch
staunchly, adverbstaunchness, nounWord Origin for staunch
C15: (originally: watertight): from Old French estanche, from estanchier to stanch
British Dictionary definitions for staunch (2 of 2)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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