hance

• IPA^(key): /hɑːns/
• Rhymes: -æns

See enhance.

hance (third-person singular simple present hances, present participle hancing, simple past and past participle hanced)

1. (transitive, obsolete) To raise, to elevate.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Lydgate to this entry?)

Anglo-Norman, from Old French haulce.

• hanch, haunch

hance (plural hances)

1. A curve or arc, especially in architecture or in the design of a ship.
   • 1974, Guy Davenport, Tatlin!:

     He wears a minimal white cotton brief, and is pleased by the hance of its pouch, a catenary dip as he faces the mirror, the profile navicular and ostent.

2. The arc of smaller radius at the springing of an elliptical or many-centred arch.

• Chena