noun.
plural In the cloth trade, blocking-boards or wrapping-boards.
noun.
The act or operation of supporting, upholding, sustaining, or keeping from falling; sustaining power or effect.
noun.
That which upholds, sustains, or keeps from falling; that, on which another thing is placed or rests; a prop, pillar, base, or basis; a foundation of any kind.
noun.
That which maintains life; subsistence; sustenance.
noun.
One who or that which maintains a person or family; means of subsistence or livelihood: as, fishing is their support; he is the only support of his mother.
noun.
The act of upholding, maintaining, assisting, forwarding, etc.; countenance; advocacy: as, to speak in support of a measure.
noun.
The keeping up or sustaining of anything without suffering it to fail, decline, be exhausted, or come to an end: as, the support of life or strength; the support of credit.
noun.
That which upholds or relieves; aid; help; succor; relief; encouragement.
noun.
Theat., an actor or actress who plays a subordinate or minor part with a star; also, the whole company collectively as supporting the principal actors.
noun.
pl. Milit., the second line in a battle, either in the attack or in the defense.
noun.
In music, an accompaniment; also, a subordinate; part.
noun.
The reasonable supply of the necessaries and comforts of life: as, intoxication of a husband injuring the wife's rights of support.
noun.
Synonyms Stay, strut, brace, shore.
noun.
Maintenance, etc. See living.
noun.
Encouragement, patronage, comfort.
To bear; prop up; bear the weight of; uphold; sustain; keep from falling or sinking.
To endure without being overcome; bear; undergo; also, to tolerate.
To uphold by aid, encouragement, or countenance; keep from shrinking, sinking, failing, or fainting: as, to support the courage or spirits.
Theat.: To represent in acting on or as on the stage; keep up; act: as, to support the part assigned.
To act with, accompany, or second a leading actor or actress.
In music, to perform an accompaniment or subordinate part to.
To keep up; carry on; maintain: as, to support a contest.
To supply funds or means for: as, to support the expenses of government; maintain with the necessary means of living; furnish with a livelihood: as, to support a family.
To keep from failing or fainting by means of food; sustain: as, to support life; to support the strength by nourishment.
To keep up in reputation; maintain: as, to support a good character; sustain; substantiate; verify: as, the testimony fails to support the charges.
To assist in general; help; second; further; forward: as, to support a friend, a party, or a policy; specifically, military, to aid by being in line and ready to take part with in attack or defense: as, the regiment supported a battery.
To vindicate; defend successfully: as, to support a verdict or judgment.
To accompany or attend as an honorary coadjutor or aid; act as the aid or attendant of: as, the chairman was supported by …