haunch
/hɔntʃ/
noun
- The fleshy part of the body around the hip and upper thigh; the hindquarter of an animal.
- The dog sat on its haunches, waiting for a treat.
- He rested his hands on his haunches after bending over.
- The butcher prepared a haunch of venison for the feast.
- The side of an arch or vault between the crown and the springing.
- They measured the thickness of the haunch to ensure stability.
- Cracks appeared in the haunch of the old bridge.
- The architect reinforced the haunch of the stone arch.