manche

¹

or maunche, maunch

[ mahnch ]

noun

, Heraldry.

1. a conventional representation of a sleeve with a flaring end, used as a charge.

Manche

²

[ mahnsh ]

noun

1. a department in NW France. 2,476 sq. mi. (6,413 sq. km). : Saint-Lô.

Manche

/ mɑ̃ʃ /

noun

1. a department of NW France, in Basse-Normandie region. Capital: St-Lô. Pop: 484 967 (2003 est). Area: 6412 sq km (2501 sq miles)
2. La Manche
   the French name for the English Channel

Word History and Origins

Origin of manche¹

1200–50; Middle English < Middle French < Latin manicae (plural) long sleeves, gloves, handcuffs, derivative of manus hand

Example Sentences

“My dear Henri, it’s shameful to massacre the civilian population as the supposed Allies are doing,” reads the letter, which historians Michel Boivin and Bernard Garnier published in their 1994 study of civilian victims in Normandy’s Manche region.

From Seattle Times

The Manche prefecture did not respond to calls for comments.

From Reuters

Forte émotion devant le drame des nombreux morts dû au chavirage d’un bateau de migrants dans la Manche.

From The Guardian

Le naufrage survenu dans la Manche est une tragédie.

From The Guardian

The Prefecture Maritime de la Manche in France said the risks that migrants crossing the Channel face include overloaded boats, makeshift vessels, lack of life jackets, cold sea temperatures and inappropriate clothing.

From BBC