staunch

2
[ stawnch, stahnch ]
/ stɔntʃ, stɑntʃ /

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.
Also stanch.

Origin of staunch

2
1375–1425; late Middle English sta(u)nch < Middle French estanche (feminine), estanc (masculine), derivative of estancher to stanch1

SYNONYMS FOR staunch

2 resolute.
3 stout, sound.

OTHER WORDS FROM staunch

staunch·ly, adverb staunch·ness, noun

Example sentences from the Web for staunchness

British Dictionary definitions for staunchness (1 of 2)

staunch 1
/ (stɔːntʃ) /

adjective

loyal, firm, and dependable a staunch supporter
solid or substantial in construction
rare (of a ship, etc) watertight; seaworthy

Derived forms of staunch

staunchly, adverb staunchness, noun

Word Origin for staunch

C15: (originally: watertight): from Old French estanche, from estanchier to stanch

British Dictionary definitions for staunchness (2 of 2)

staunch 2
/ (stɔːntʃ) /

verb, noun

a variant spelling of stanch