3. A state of quiet enjoyment; freedom from pain, want, or anxiety; also, whatever contributes to such a condition. I had much joy and comfort in thy love. Phil. 7 (Rev. Ver. ). He had the means of living in comfort. Macaulay.
4. A wadded bedquilt; a comfortable. [U. S.]
5. (Law)
Defn: Unlawful support, countenance, or encouragement; as, to give aid and comfort to the enemy.
Syn.
— Comfort, Consolation. Comfort has two meanings:
1. Strength and relief received under affliction;
2. Positive enjoyment, of a quiet, permanent nature, together with the sources thereof; as, the comfort of love; surrounded with comforts; but it is with the former only that the word consolation is brought into comparison. As thus compared, consolation points to some specific source of relief for the afflicted mind; as, the consolations of religion. Comfort supposes the relief to be afforded by imparting positive enjoyment, as well as a diminution of pain. "Consolation, or comfort, signifies some alleviation to that pain to which it is not in our power to afford the proper and adequate remedy; they imply rather an augmentation of the power of bearing, than a diminution of the burden." Johnson.
COMFORTABLE
Com"fort*a*ble, a. Etym: [OF. confortable.]
1. Strong; vigorous; valiant. [Obs.] Wyclif. Thy conceit is nearer death than thy powers. For my sake be comfortable; hold death a while at the arm's end. Shak.
2. Serviceable; helpful. [Obs.] Be comfortable to my mother, your mistress, and make much of her. Shak.