stanchion

noun stan·chion \ˈstan-chən\

: a strong, upright pole that is used to support something

Full Definition of STANCHION

: an upright bar, post, or support (as for a roof or a ship's deck)

: a device that fits loosely around the neck of an animal (as a cow) and limits forward and backward motion (as in a stall)

— stan·chioned \-chənd\ adjective

See stanchion defined for English-language learners

See stanchion defined for kids

Middle English stanchon, from Anglo-French *stanchun, stançun, alteration of Old French estançon, diminutive of estance stay, prop

First Known Use: 15th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: stanchion gunPrevious Word in the Dictionary: stanchelAll Words Near: stanchion

What made you want to look up stanchion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears