1. the hindquarters or buttocks of a four-legged animal
2. the human buttocks and upper thighs

Examples

• The dog sat back on its haunches and waited for a treat.
• The horse’s powerful haunches propelled it over the fence.
• She crouched down on her haunches to examine the flower.
• The cat balanced on its haunches before pouncing.
• He squatted on his haunches by the campfire.
• The deer’s white-spotted haunches disappeared into the woods.
• She rested on her haunches while weeding the garden.