Defn: A supplying or furnishing; supply. [Obs.] Shak.
SUPPORT
Sup*port", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Supported; p. pr. & vb. n.
Supporting.] Etym: [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.