blanch / blanch/ • v. 1. [tr.] make white or pale by extracting color; bleach: the cold light blanched her face. ∎  [tr.] whiten (a plant) by depriving it of light: blanch endive by covering plants with large flowerpots. ∎  [intr.] fig. (of a person) grow pale from shock, fear, or a similar emotion: many people blanch at the suggestion.2. [tr.] prepare (vegetables) for freezing or further cooking by immersing briefly in boiling water. [as adj.] (blanched) blanched almonds.

blanch XIV. — (O)F. blanchir, f. blanc, fem. blanche white, BLANK.