Search the Dictionary

To refer to or specify, as for support, proof, illustration, or confirmation. The imperfections which you have cited. Shak.

To ascend or creep upward by twining about a support, or by attaching itself by tendrills, rootlets, etc., to a support or upright surface.

d fast, especially by twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support; -- usually followed by to or together. And what hath life for thee That thou shouldst cling to it thus Mrs. Hemans.

mmon object, as literature, science, politics, good fellowship, etc.; esp. an association supported by equal assessments or contributions of the members. They talked At wine, in clubs, of art, of politics. Tennyson. He [Goldsmith] was one of the nine original members of that celebrated fraternity which has sometimes be…

One of the rough pillars of stone or coal left to support the roof of a mine.

A kind of pillar; a cylindrical or polygonal support for a roof, ceiling, statue, etc., somewhat ornamented, and usually composed of base, shaft, and capital. See Order.

The combination of a combustible with a supporter of combustion, producing heat, and sometimes both light and heat. Combustion results is common cases from the mutual chemical action and reaction of the combustible and the oxygen of the atmosphere, whereby a new compound is formed. Ure. Supporter of combustion (Chem.),…

o befall. (b) To attack or invade. (c) To have a claim upon; to become dependent upon for support; as, to come upon the town. (d) To light or chance upon; to find; as, to come upon hid treasure.

Assistance; relief; support. [Obs. except in the phrase "aid and comfort." See 5 below.] Shak.

A student in the university of Oxford, Eng., who is not dependent on any foundation for support, but pays all university charges; -- at Cambrige called a pensioner.

A supporter of the commune of Paris.

A league or compact between two or more persons, bodies of men, or states, for mutual support or common action; alliance. The friendships of the world are oft Confederacies in vice or leagues of pleasure. Addison. He hath heard of our confederacy. Shak. Virginia promoted a confederacy. Bancroft.

The act of confederating; a league; a compact for mutual support; alliance, particulary of princes, nations, or states. The three princes enter into some strict league and confederation among themselves. Bacon. This was no less than a political confederation of the colonies of New England. Palfrey.

sed of parts in union or connection; to hold together; to be; to exist; to subsist; to be supported and maintained. He is before all things, and by him all things consist. Col. i. 17.

Any small bracket; also, a console table. Console table, a table whose top is supported by two or more consoles instead of legs.

A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion of strife; a position taken or contended for. All men seem agreed what is to be done; the contention is how the subject is to be divided and defined. Bagehot. This was my original contention, and I still main…

One who supports or frequents conventicles. Dryden.

A bracket supporting a superincumbent object, or receiving the spring of an arch. Corbels were employed largely in Gothic architecture.

Strengthening; supporting; corroborating. Bacon. -- n.

An article of dress inclosing the chest and waist worn (chiefly by women) to support the body or to modify its shape; stays.