hance

noun

ˈhan(t)s
plural -s
1
: a curved contour on a ship (as the fall of the fife rail to the deck)
2
a(1)
: the arc of minimum radius at the springing of an elliptical or similar arch
(2)
: the haunch of an arch
b
: a small arch joining a straight lintel to a jamb

Word History

Etymology

obsolete English hance, haunce lintel, from hance, haunce to raise, from Middle English hauncen, probably short for enhauncen

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Dictionary Entries Near hance

Cite this Entry

“Hance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hance. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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