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

Soon after she arrived, a center staff member had delivered a shot full of phenobarbital and midazolam into her back haunch, to control the seizures.

From Los Angeles Times

As a rival striker bore down on his team’s goal, Guardiola — crouching on his haunches on the sideline — lost his balance and toppled over onto his back.

From New York Times

“She is safe,” the wolf responded as he sat back on his haunches, his eyes twinkling.

From Literature

Drawing up, he planted a hand on his big haunch and gave us the once-over.

From Literature

The fulsome belly, the haunches and feet, rested firmly on the ground.

From Literature