Search the Dictionary

lent agitation in the body politic; public commotion; tumult. The disturbance was made to support a general accusation against the province. Bancroft.

That which is taught; what is held, put forth as true, and supported by a teacher, a school, or a sect; a principle or position, or the body of principles, in any branch of knowledge; any tenet or dogma; a principle of faith; as, the doctrine of atoms; the doctrine of chances. "The doctrine of gravitation." I. Watts. A…

An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; -- in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol…

nt, as to flax, goldenrod, etc., and decaying at the root. is nourished by the plant that supports it.

Endowment; establishment of funds for support, as of a hospital or eleemosynary corporation. Blackstone.

e entry. See under Bookkeeping. -- Double floor (Arch.), a floor in which binding joists support flooring joists above and ceiling joists below. See Illust. of Double-framed floor. -- Double flower. See Double, a., 4. -- Double-framed floor (Arch.), a double floor having girders into which the binding joists are fra…

Driving spring, a spring fixed upon the box of the driving axle of a locomotive engine to support the weight and deaden shocks. [Eng.] Weale. -- Driving wheel (Mach.), a wheel that communicates motion; one of the large wheels of a locomotive to which the connecting rods of the engine are attached; -- called also, simp…

Power of lasting, enduring, or resisting; durability. The durableness of the metal that supports it. Addison.

A piece of wood set between two studs, posts, etc., to stiffen and support them.

ition the ear of an animal; any prominence or projection on an object, -- usually one for support or attachment; a lug; a handle; as, the ears of a tub, a skillet, or dish. The ears of a boat are outside kneepieces near the bow. See Illust. of Bell.

A chair with arms to support the elbows; an armchair. Addison.

A branching frame, often of ornamental design, to support electric illuminating lamps.

Supported by charity; as, eleemosynary poor.

Any cordial or substance which invigorates. The grand elixir, to support the spirits of human nature. Addison.

That which serves to incite, support, promote, or advance, as favor, countenance, reward, etc.; incentive; increase of confidence; as, the fine arts find little encouragement among a rude people. To think of his paternal care, Is a most sweet encouragement to prayer. Byron.

A plate which supports the labrum in certain Crustacea.

To furnish with money or its equivalent, as a permanent fund for support; to make pecuniary provision for; to settle an income upon; especially, to furnish with dower; as, to endow a wife; to endow a public institution. Endowing hospitals and almshouses. Bp. Stillingfleet.

The act of bestowing a dower, fund, or permanent provision for support.

To remain firm under; to sustain; to undergo; to support without breaking or yielding; as, metals endure a certain degree of heat without melting; to endure wind and weather. Both were of shining steel, and wrought so pure, As might the strokes of two such arms endure. Dryden.

To secure the support and aid of; to employ in advancing interest; as, to enlist persons in the cause of truth, or in a charitable enterprise.