haunches
nounUK /ˈhɔːntʃɪz/
US /ˈhɔːntʃɪz/
The back part of an animal's body where its back legs join.
The dog sat back on its haunches and waited for a treat.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The hip and thigh area of a person when sitting or crouching.
He crouched down on his haunches to look at the bug.
3. A cut of meat from the upper leg or hip of an animal.
The chef roasted a haunch of venison for dinner.
4. The side of an arch or a curved structure between the crown and the support.
The stone haunches of the bridge carried the weight of the arch.