Haunch

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /hɔːntʃ/, /hÉ’ntʃ/
• some accents IPA: /hɑːntʃ/
• US IPA: /hÉ”ntʃ/, /hÉ‘ntʃ/
• Rhymes: -ɔːntʃ, -ɑːntʃ

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French (compare French hanche, Italian anca), from a Germanic source, probably Frankish.

Full definition of haunch

Noun

1. (anatomy) The area encompassing the upper thigh, hip and buttocks on one side of a human, primate, or quadruped animal, especially one that can sit on its hindquarters.
2. The loin and leg of a quadruped, especially when used as food.
3. (architecture) A squat vertical support structure.