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DictionaryhaunchHip and upper thigh
noun

haunch

HAUNCH/hɔːntʃ/

The part of a body around the hip and upper thigh, especially an animal's hindquarter.

The horse's haunch includes its rounded hip and muscular upper thigh.

A close three-quarter rear view of a horse, emphasizing the rounded hip, buttock, and muscular upper thigh that form its haunch.
Etymology
haunchOld Frenchhip, thigh

Old French hanche already named the hip and thigh. The English word preserves that regional body sense, covering the hip, buttock, and upper thigh rather than just one joint.

In context

Storytime Haven724:15
Like a pack of hounds on the very haunch of a deer the English rushed yelling for the oriflamme.
Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

  • The horse has a white patch on its left haunch.
  • She squats on her haunches to examine the seedlings.
  • We roast a haunch of venison for dinner.

Forms

haunch · haunches

Similar words

hip
Focuses on the joint and surrounding area, not the upper thigh.
thigh
Names the upper leg rather than the surrounding hip area.
hindquarter
Usually covers more of an animal's rear body and leg.