English Dictionary

Definition of “haunch

haunch (hɔːntʃPronunciation for haunch

Definitions

noun

  1. the human hip or fleshy hindquarter of an animal, esp a horse or similar quadruped
  2. the leg and loin of an animal, used for food  ⇒ a haunch of venison 
  3.  Also called hancearchitecture the part of an arch between the impost and the apex

Alternative Forms

haunched adjective

Word Origin

C13: from Old French hanche;  related to Spanish, Italian anca,  of Germanic origin; compare Low German hanke

Usage examples

  • "I would kill for a haunch of venison this big, smothered in gravy.
    Jennifer Fallon, TREASON KEEP (2001)
  • The angular haunch of the domestic Friesian makes one of the loveliest lines in the world.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Finally we cut a haunch for our supper and then stood back to allow the vultures to clean up.
    Blashford-Snell, John, Something Lost Behind the Ranges (1994)

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