v. t. [ Cf. F. ganche, n., also Sp. & Pg. gancho hook, It. gancio. ] To drop from a high place upon sharp stakes or hooks, as the Turks dropped malefactors, by way of punishment. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ganching, which is to let fall from on high upon hooks, and there to hang until they die. Sandys. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ Written also raunch. ] [ Cf. Wrench. ] To wrench; to tear; to sprain; to injure by violent straining or contortion. [ R. ] Dryden. “Hasting to raunch the arrow out.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Rancho. ] A tract of land used for grazing and the rearing of horses, cattle, or sheep. See Rancho, 2. [ Western U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ Sp. rancheria. ] 1. A dwelling place of a ranchero. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. A small settlement or collection of ranchos, or rude huts, esp. for Indians. [ Sp. Amer. & Southwestern U. S. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. Formerly, in the Philippines, a political division of the pagan tribes. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

‖n.; pl. Rancheros [ Sp. ] [ Mexico & Western U. S. ] 1. A herdsman; a peasant employed on a ranch or rancho. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The owner and occupant of a ranch or rancho. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Ranchmen An owner or occupant of, or laborer on, a ranch; a herdsman. [ Western U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. Ranchos [ Sp., properly, a mess, mess room. Cf. 2d Ranch. ] 1. A rude hut, as of posts, covered with branches or thatch, where herdsmen or farm laborers may live or lodge at night. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A large grazing farm where horses and cattle are raised; -- distinguished from hacienda, a cultivated farm or plantation. [ Mexico & California ] Bartlett. [ 1913 Webster ]