Support arms

Support \Sup*port"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Supported}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Supporting}.] [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.
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   2. To endure without being overcome, exhausted, or changed in
      character; to sustain; as, to support pain, distress, or
      misfortunes.
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            This fierce demeanor and his insolence
            The patience of a god could not support. --Dryden.
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   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.
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   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.
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   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.
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   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.
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   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.
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            To urge such arguments, as though they were
            sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme
            of moral philosophy.                  --J. Edwards.
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   8. To vindicate; to maintain; to defend successfully; as, to
      be able to support one's own cause.
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   9. To uphold by aid or countenance; to aid; to help; to back
      up; as, to support a friend or a party; to support the
      present administration.
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            Wherefore, bold pleasant,
            Darest thou support a published traitor? --Shak.
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   10. A attend as an honorary assistant; as, a chairman
       supported by a vice chairman; O'Connell left the prison,
       supported by his two sons.
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   {Support arms} (Mil.), a command in the manual of arms in
      responce to which the piece is held vertically at the
      shoulder, with the hammer resting on the left forearm,
      which is passed horizontally across the body in front;
      also, the position assumed in response to this command.
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   Syn: To maintain; endure; verify; substantiate; countenance;
        patronize; help; back; second; succor; relieve; uphold;
        encourage; favor; nurture; nourish; cherish; shield;
        defend; protect; stay; assist; forward.
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