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Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life. The earthquake voice of victory, To thee the breath of life. Byron.

a molded sample of solidified cement or mortar for use as a test piece for showing the strength of the material.

The heat, or utmost violence, of an onset; the strength or greatest fury of any contention; as, the brunt of a battle.

A small, hollow, floating bead or globe, formerly used for testing the strength of spirits.

To strengthen with buckram; to make stiff. Cowper.

To increase and strengthen; to increase the power and stability of; to settle, or establish, and preserve; -- frequently with up; as, to build up one's constitution. I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up. Acts xx. 32.

per; a bundle of old clothes. The fable of the rods, which, when united in a bundle, no strength could bend. Goldsmith. Bundle pillar (Arch.), a column or pier, with others of small dimensions attached to it. Weale.

Anything which supports or strengthens. "The ground pillar and buttress of the good old cause of nonconformity." South. Flying buttress. See Flying buttress.

A pole or beam used in Scottish games for tossing as a trial of strength.

The science, art, or practice of healthful exercise of the body and limbs, to promote strength and gracefulness; light gymnastics.

ssing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength; as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle capable of resisting a long assault. Concious of jou and capable of pain. Prior.

Ability; power pertaining to, or resulting from, the possession of strength, wealth, or talent; possibility of being or of doing. The capacity of blessing the people. Alex. Hamilton. A cause with such capacities endued. Blackmore.

f a ship, from one transverse desk beam to another; also, one of the cross timbers that strengthen a hath; -- usually in pl.

mported as cassia, but commonly sold as cinnamon, from which it differs more or less in strength and flavor, and the amount of outer bark attached.

well for his defense againts injury and violence, as for his repose. Coke. Our castle's strength Will laugh a siege to scorn. Shak.

Partnership in power; equal share of authority. [Obs.] Beauté ne sleighte, strengthe ne hardyness, Ne may with Venus holde champartye. Chaucer.

Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.

A fillet or band placed around the shaft of a column as if to strengthen it. [Written also cimia.]

A strip of wood or iron fastened on transversely to something in order to give strength, prevent warping, hold position, etc.

A metallic bushing or strengthening piece in the center of a wooden block sheve.