Definition of stanches:
(v) :
To stop the flow of (blood); also, to stop (a wound) from bleeding.
(v) :
(transitive) To check or stop, or deter (an action).
(v) :
To stop the progression of (an illness); also, to alleviate (pain); often followed by of: to relieve (someone's) pain.
(v) :
To make (a building or other structure) watertight or weatherproof.
(v) :
(intransitive, also reflexive) Of bleeding: to stop.
(v) :
(transitive, poetic, otherwise archaic) To stop the flow of (water or some other liquid).