staunch
adjective

- strongly loyal to a person, organization, or set of beliefs or opinions

verb

- to stop something from continuing

The Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The word "staunch" has an interesting etymology that traces back through several languages:

The term comes from Old French estanche or estancher, meaning "to stop the flow of water" or "to make watertight." This Old French term was used particularly in reference to stopping bleeding or stemming the flow of liquids.

Going further back, the Old French derived from Vulgar Latin stanticare, which came from Latin stans (standing) and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root sta-, meaning "to stand" or "to make stand."

The evolution of "staunch" shows a fascinating semantic shift:

It began with the literal meaning of stopping or restricting flow (particularly of water or blood). This developed into the adjective meaning "watertight" or "strong enough to prevent leaking”. Over time, it metaphorically extended to describe someone or something solid, firm, and dependable. By the 14th century, it was being used in its modern sense to describe loyal, steadfast supporters or allies.

The word "stanch" is a variant spelling that's now primarily used as a verb meaning "to stop the flow of," while "staunch" is more commonly used as an adjective meaning "loyal" or "firm."

The link between stopping a flow and being dependable may seem distant, but both share the quality of firmness and reliability - whether it's a dam that holds back water or a friend who steadfastly supports you.

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THE LAST TRAIN HOME

In 1924, professor Hidesaburo Ueno adopted an Akita puppy he named Hachiko. Every morning, the golden-brown dog would accompany his owner to Shibuya Station, and every evening, he would return precisely when Ueno's train was due to arrive. This daily ritual continued without fail until May 21, 1925, when Professor Ueno suffered a cerebral hemorrhage during a lecture. He never returned to the station where his staunch companion waited.

For the next nine years, nine months, and fifteen days, Hachiko maintained his vigil. Each day, as trains arrived at 4:00 PM, the Akita appeared at his usual spot, searching the disembarking passengers for his master's face. Station workers and local shopkeepers, initially annoyed by the dog's presence, gradually recognized the extraordinary nature of his loyalty. They began providing him with food and shelter.

Hachiko's devotion became national news in 1932 after journalist Hirokichi Saito published a story about this symbol of loyalty. Japanese society, which highly valued these traits, embraced Hachiko as a moral exemplar. Children were taught his story as a lesson in fidelity and remembrance.

On March 8, 1935, Hachiko was found dead near Shibuya Station. An autopsy revealed cancer and terminal heart disease. The nation mourned. A bronze statue was erected at the station, and each year on April 8, a ceremony honours his memory—a testament to how his story continues to move people worldwide.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

ardent, as good as your word, assiduous, committed, constant, dedicated, dependable, devoted, ever-faithful, faithful, forever faithful, here for someone, loyal (to the core), never wavering, never-failing, no-fair-weather friend, of the old guard, pillar of strength, reliable, STAUNCH, steadfast, sturdy, there for someone, through thick and thin (fire and water), till the end, true as steel, true-blue, trustworthy, trusty, undaunted, unfailing, unflinching, unshakable, unswerving, unwavering, unfaltering, unyielding, will go to the wall for you

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THANKS to Manuela for suggesting today’s OWAD.

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“It’s amazing to imagine that a dog can be as STAUNCH a friend as a human. Have you heard about Hachiko, the Akita puppy?”

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D

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