What is haunch? How to use in English

The word "haunch" derives from the Old French word "anesne," which literally translates to "groin" or "join." It was originally an anatomical term referring to the juncture between the thigh and the pelvis, also known as the thighbone's socket. In the context of architecture, the term "haunch" came to describe the slope or bulging part of an embattled parapet, which is the defensive battlement at the top of a wall. The slope at the corner of the parapet was reminiscent of the groin or join of the legs, hence the use of the term "haunch" to describe it. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the use of the term "haunch" expanded to include the thickening part of an arch or vault where it meets the wall. This usage solidified in the latter half of the 15th century, and the term "haunch" became firmly established as a widely recognized architectural term. The same term also found its way into the horse-drawn carriage and automotive industries, where it became a descriptive term for the side support of a carriage or vehicle, often used to label the vertical part of the frame between the rear wheel and the body. Today, the term "haunch" finds use in several contexts, from engineering and architecture to transportation and agriculture, albeit with different connotations. The diachronic development of the term "haunch" from its anatomical origins to its current multifarious usage is testimony to the rich and dynamic heritage of the English language.