bolster Hear it!

bolster definition

bol·ster (bōl′stər)

noun

  1. a long, narrow cushion or pillow
  2. a soft pad for easing pressure on any part of the body
  3. any bolsterlike object or support; specif.,
    1. a capping piece over a post to extend the bearing area under a beam
    2. 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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