Pronunciation: [mˈɔːnt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The word "maunch" refers to a sleeve or cuff of a garment. It is spelled with the "au" vowel combination to indicate a pronounced "aw" sound as in "caught". The phonetic transcription of the word is /mɔːntʃ/, where the symbol "ɔː" represents the "aw" sound, "n" is pronounced as "n" and "tʃ" is a combination of "t" and "ʃ" sounds. This word is not commonly used today, but can be found in old literature and historical texts.
Maunch is a noun that refers to a particular style or type of garment typically worn around the neck. It is derived from the Middle English word "maunche," which meant "ruff" or "frill," and ultimately traced back to the Old French word "manche," meaning "cuff" or "sleeve." The term "maunch" was commonly used in medieval times to describe a decorative and ornamental collar or neckpiece worn by both men and women, often made of fine fabric or lace.
The maunch was usually a detachable accessory that could be fastened or tied around the neck, and it served as both a fashion statement and as protection from the cold. It was often embellished with intricate embroidery, beads, or jewels to further enhance its elegance and aesthetic appeal. Typically, the maunch featured a ruffled or pleated design, adding a touch of sophistication to the wearer's attire.
Although primarily associated with historic fashion, the term "maunch" can still be occasionally used in contemporary contexts to describe a similar style of neck adornment or collar, especially in formal or ceremonial attire. As fashions have evolved over the centuries, the specific nature and appearance of the maunch may have changed, but its essence as a decorative and ornamental neckpiece has remained.
The etymology of the word "maunch" is derived from the Old French word "manche", which means "sleeve" or "arm". It entered Middle English as "maunche", primarily used to refer to a sleeve. Over time, the meaning extended to a glove, particularly a gauntlet worn as a mark of distinction or authority. Today, "maunch" is most commonly used in heraldry, referring to a stylized representation of a sleeve or a gauntlet in a coat of arms.
