Unstanched wench

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I just started to read "Tempest" and here's that enigmatic expression at the very first page.What does it mean? May I say, for instance, "my site is as leaky as an unstanched wench?"Hugs and kisses

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[nq:1]I just started to read "Tempest" and here's that enigmatic expression at the very first page. What does it mean? May I say, for instance, "my site is as leaky as an unstanched wench?" Hugs and kisses[/nq]
Gosh
must I really explain the finer details of feminine matters to a woman?
Maybe a couple of dictionary entries (from www.m-w.com) will help:

Main Entry: 1stanch
Pronunciation: 'stonch, 'stänch, 'stanch
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English staunchen, from Middle French estancher, perhaps from (assumed) Vulgar Latin stanticare, from Latin stant-, stans, present participle

1 : to check or stop the flowing of ; also : to stop theflow of blood from (a wound)

2 archaic : ALLAY, EXTINGUISH
3 a : to stop or check in its course b :to make watertight : stop up
- stanch·er noun
Main Entry: 1wench
Pronunciation: 'wench
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English wenche, short for wenchel child, from Old English wencel; akin to Old High German wankOn to totter, waver and probably to Old High German winchan to stagger more at WINK

1 a : a young woman : GIRL b : a female servant
2 : a lewd woman : PROSTITUTE

Skitt (in Hayward, California)
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I just started to read "Tempest" and here's that enigmatic expression at the very first page. What does it mean? May I say, for instance, "my site is as leaky as an unstanched wench?"[/nq]
I think it might be good for an advertising campaign:

"Kotex- staunching wenches since 1920".
[nq:1]Hugs and kisses[/nq]
Friendy, very friendly.
Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany

"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward" (Email Removed) Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

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[nq:2]I just started to read "Tempest" and here's that enigmatic ... instance, "my site is as leaky as an unstanched wench?"[/nq]
[nq:1]Gosh must I really explain the finer details of feminine matters to a woman? Maybe a ... check or stop the flowing of ; also : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)[/nq]
I always presumed that what Gonzalo thought required stanching on a wench were tears. I.e., that women were prone to be weepy.

Evan Kirshenbaum + HP Laboratories >Marge: You liked Rashomon.
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I just started to read "Tempest" and here's that enigmaticexpression at the very first page. What does it mean? May I say, for instance, "my site is as leaky asan unstanched wench?" Hugs and kisses[/nq]
In the h.l.a.s. Shakespeare newsgroup we are used to the more Chaucer-like expressions in Shakespeare and regularly use the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary, if it's available. Frequently, the whole thing about Shakespeare's bawdy language comes out and the more earthy meanings and insinuations are included.

In your example, I'm guessing (don't have access to the OED) that the term "unstanched wench" could suggest all or some of the following, playing upon both verb and adjective possibilities of "unstanched."
1. An unstopped woman, in the sense she is low, common, open andloose in morals and behavior. An unmarried tart without modesty.
2. Unstanched in the sense she is not "plugged" and/or made pregnant;has unstopped monthy cycle.

3. She is a prostitute (wench) without morals. Not "staunch," orloyal, dependable.

4. The sound of "unstanched" is close enough to "stench" thatsuggestion of bad smell is associated with her condition.

There is resistance to the requirement that Shakespeare intended only one dictionary meaning to words, because they had no dictionaries, were relying on auditory memory of speech, and were into making up words in a melting pot of cultures in London. For his audience, Shakespeare was interested in frank language relished by visitors going across the river into a circus-like atmosphere with bear baiting and prostitution, I think, and describing colorful characters with comic traits was a main device used.
bookburn

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I just started to read "Tempest" and here's that enigmatic expression at the very first page. What does it mean? May I say, for instance, "my site is as leaky as an unstanched wench?"[/nq]
It means that most wenches couldn't afford tampons in Shakespeare's day.

.

Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7734/stevesig.htm
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

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[nq:2]Gosh must I really explain the ... : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)[/nq]
[nq:1]I always presumed that what Gonzalo thought required stanching on a wench were tears. I.e., that women were prone to be weepy.[/nq]
I've just finished reading Dan Simmons's wonderful book "Illium" wherein this very quote is explained. Definitely refers to menstruation according to experts.

Rob Bannister

Unstanched wench

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