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supporting |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: supporting adj 1: furnishing support and encouragement; "the anxious child needs supporting and accepting treatment from the teacher" [syn: {encouraging}] 2: capable of bearing a structural load; "a supporting wall" [syn: {load-bearing(a)}, {supporting(a)}] n : the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening; "he leaned against the wall for support"; "they forded the stream supporting their packs over their heads" [syn: {support}]
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