[a. OF. estanche, related to estanc STANK sb.] A lock or dam in a river.
1767. Hull Navig. Act, 1054. Bridges, sluices, staunches, locks.
1866. Brogden, Prov. Lincs., Stanch, a lock or stop for water, much used in the fen districts.
1879. Edin. Rev., CL. 447. Rude temporary stanches, or flush-weirs.
1890. Fishing Gaz., 8 Nov., 242/3. This rather fast-running and weedy river—the staunches were up. Ibid. The swims at the first and second staunch.
Comb. 1794. Rennie, Rep. Surv. Thames, 10. All the old stanch locks should be purchased, and proper gauge or pen wiers substituted in their place.
