The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stanch \Stanch\ (st[.a]nch), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stanched
   (st[.a]ncht); p. pr. & vb. n. Stanching.] [OF. estanchier,
   F. ['e]tancher to stop a liquid from flowing; akin to Pr.,
   Sp., & Pg. estancar, It. stancare to weary, LL. stancare,
   stagnare, to stanch, fr. L. stagnare to be or make stagnant.
   See Stagnate.]
   1. To stop the flowing of, as blood; to check; also, to stop
      the flowing of blood from; as, to stanch a wound. [Written
      also staunch.]
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            Iron or a stone laid to the neck doth stanch the
            bleeding of the nose.                 --Bacon.
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   2. To extinguish; to quench, as fire or thirst. [Obs.]
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