haunch

Everyday

1. The hip, bottom and top of the leg of a person or animal. tree →
2. A back leg and hip of an animal as meat, as in «a haunch of venison». tree →

In the lessons

Used when animals or people sit back on their legs: «sat back on its haunches», «squatted on his haunches». In stories a dog, rabbit or hare sits on its haunches to look around; Kipling's animals often do. In old feasts, a haunch of venison (deer meat) was roasted.

Examples

• The dog sat back on its haunches and begged. tree →
• The hare sat up on its haunches and listened. tree →
• He squatted on his haunches to look at the beetle. tree →
• The cook roasted a haunch of venison for the feast. tree →
• Badger sat on his haunches by the fire. tree →
• The lion crouched on its haunches, ready to spring. tree →
• A WOLF, passing by, saw some Shepherds in a hut eating a haunch of mutton for their dinner. tree →

Note

Countable; usually in the plural «haunches». Pronounced HAWNCH. Common phrase: «sit (back) on your haunches» = squat with your bottom near your heels.