From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Stanchion \Stan"chion\ (st[a^]n"sh[u^]n; 277), n. [OF. estanson,
estan[,c]on, F. ['e]tan[,c]on, from OF. estance a stay, a
prop, from L. stans, stantis, standing, p. pr. of stare to
stand. See Stand, and cf. Stanza.] [Written also
stanchel.]
1. (Arch.) A prop or support; a piece of timber in the form
of a stake or post, used for a support or stay.
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2. (Naut.) Any upright post or beam used as a support, as for
the deck, the quarter rails, awnings, etc.
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3. A vertical bar for confining cattle in a stall.
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