An architectural term referring to the curved transition where an arch meets a wall or the haunches of an arch in medieval building.
From Old French 'hance,' related to 'haunch,' referring to the hip or side area. The term evolved in architectural vocabulary to describe the specific curved sections of arches in medieval and Gothic architecture.
Medieval architects used the hance as a clever structural solution—the curve distributes weight more evenly, which is why Gothic cathedrals with perfectly engineered hances could soar to incredible heights without toppling!
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