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but 'staunch' doesn't mean 'strict'? it means trustworthy / loyal; or it's other definition means to restrain/ stem a flow.(or is my dictionary holding out on me??!!)

60 trusty

Elle, my thesaurus gives 19 definitions including fixed, set and strict.

Then please accept my apologies, rossim, for doubting you! I think I might need to get a more update dictionary and thesaurus! My OED is the ninth edition
(any idea what the current one is?) and my thesaurus is pretty prehistoric too! again, abject apologies!!!!!!

No need for any apologies Elle!!
As there was incorrect letter count I thought the first one might be missing and looked up possible words. I only use online dictionaries and thesauruses etc as I find pressing keys easier than turning pages so I'm afraid I can't answer your question.
Maybe someone else will help you when this comes to the top. Good luck!