haunch

[ hawnch, hahnch ]

noun

1. the hip.
2. the fleshy part of the body about the hip.
3. a hindquarter of an animal.
4. the leg and loin of an animal, used for food.
5. Architecture.
   1. either side of an arch, extending from the vertex or crown to the impost.
   2. the part of a beam projecting below a floor or roof slab.

haunch

/ hɔːntʃ /

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 calledhance architect the part of an arch between the impost and the apex

Derived Forms

• haunched, adjective

Other Words From

• haunched adjective
• haunchless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of haunch¹

1150–1200; Middle English haunche < Old French hanche < Germanic; compare Middle Dutch hanke haunch, hip, German Hanke haunch

Word History and Origins

Origin of haunch¹

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

Example Sentences

This chair by British designer Thomas Heatherwick is now on view in his show at Haunch of Venison gallery in New York.

From The Daily Beast

The haunch of buck will take about three hours and three quarters roasting.

From Project Gutenberg

I have sent a noble haunch of venison this afternoon to Mrs. Vanhomrigh; I wish you had it sirrahs.

From Project Gutenberg

It appeared to me there was a haunch of venison hanging over the stern when we came on board?

From Project Gutenberg

Without one or other of these contrivances, no one should presume to give a haunch of venison to his friends.

From Project Gutenberg

Before it is sent to table, the cook should pour over the haunch one wine-glassful of hot port wine.

From Project Gutenberg