bolster
bolster definition
bol·ster (bōl′stər)
noun
- a long, narrow cushion or pillow
- a soft pad for easing pressure on any part of the body
- any bolsterlike object or support; specif.,
- a capping piece over a post to extend the bearing area under a beam
- the connecting part between the volutes of an Ionic capital
Etymology: ME & OE, akin to ON bolstr, Ger polster; ult. < IE base *bhel-, to swell: see ball
transitive verb
to prop up as with a bolster; support, strengthen, or reinforce: often with up
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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