hance / hanse [hæn(t)s]
hance – n. – 1. a curved contour on a ship; 2. the arc of minimum radius at the springing of an elliptical or similar arch; 3. a small arch joining a straight lintel to a jamb
hanse – n. Usage: usually capitalized – 1. a merchant guild in a medieval town; 2. an association for trading in foreign countries; 3. the entrance fee to a merchant guild; 4. the tax levied upon traders not belonging to a guild