Supplyant
(Sup*ply"ant) a. Supplying or aiding; auxiliary; suppletory. [Obs.] Shak.
Supplyment
(Sup*ply"ment) n. A supplying or furnishing; supply. [Obs.] Shak.
Support
(Sup*port") v. t. [imp. & p. p. Supported; p. pr. & vb. n. Supporting.] [F. supporter, L.
supportare to carry on, to convey, in LL., to support, sustain; sub under + portare to carry. See Port
demeanor.]
1. To bear by being under; to keep from falling; to uphold; to sustain, in a literal or physical sense; to prop
up; to bear the weight of; as, a pillar supports a structure; an abutment supports an arch; the trunk of a
tree supports the branches.
2. To endure without being overcome, exhausted, or changed in character; to sustain; as, to support
pain, distress, or misfortunes.
This fierce demeanor and his insolence
The patience of a god could not support.
Dryden. 3. To keep from failing or sinking; to solace under affictive circumstances; to assist; to encourage; to defend; as,
to support the courage or spirits.
4. To assume and carry successfully, as the part of an actor; to represent or act; to sustain; as, to support
the character of King Lear.
5. To furnish with the means of sustenance or livelihood; to maintain; to provide for; as, to support a
family; to support the ministers of the gospel.
6. To carry on; to enable to continue; to maintain; as, to support a war or a contest; to support an argument
or a debate.
7. To verify; to make good; to substantiate; to establish; to sustain; as, the testimony is not sufficient to
support the charges; the evidence will not support the statements or allegations.
To urge such arguments, as though they were sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of
moral philosophy.
J. Edwards. 8. To vindicate; to maintain; to defend successfully; as, to be able to support one's own cause.
9. To uphold by aid or countenance; to aid; to help; to back up; as, to support a friend or a party; to support
the present administration.
Wherefore, bold pleasant,
Darest thou support a published traitor?
Shak. 10. A attend as an honorary assistant; as, a chairman supported by a vice chairman; O'Connell left the
prison, supported by his two sons.
Support arms (Mil.), a command in the manual of arms in responce to which the piece is held vertically
at the shoulder, with the hammer resting on the left forearm, which is passed horizontally across the
body in front; also, the position assumed in response to this command.
Syn. — To maintain; endure; verify; substantiate; countenance; patronize; help; back; second; succor; relieve; uphold; encourage; favor; nurture; nourish; cherish; shield; defend; protect; stay; assist; forward.
Support
(Sup*port") n. [F.]
1. The act, state, or operation of supporting, upholding, or sustaining.
2. That which upholds, sustains, or keeps from falling, as a prop, a pillar, or a foundation of any kind.
