STANCH (4)

Stanch, a. [Compar. Stancher (@–ẽr); superl. Stanchest.] [[From Stanch, v. t., and hence literally signifying, stopped or stayed; cf. Sp. estanco stopped, tight, not leaky, as a ship. See Stanch, v. t.]] [Written also staunch.] 1. 1. Strong and tight; sound; firm; as, a stanch ship.
One of the closets is parqueted with plain deal, set in diamond, exceeding stanch and pretty. Evelyn. 2. 2. Firm in principle; constant and zealous; loyal; hearty; steady; steadfast; as, a stanch churchman; a stanch friend or adherent. V. Knox.
In politics I hear you 're stanch. Prior. 3. 3. Close; secret; private.
This @is to be kept stanch. Locke.