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The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.

  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.

  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.

    Wherefore, bold pleasant, Darest thou support a published traitor?
    --Shak.

  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.

    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.

    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.

Usage examples of "support arms".

Another flash of stars and they were in Idaho, one of the two fixed modules that carried the main support arms to the Spindle.

One item purchased in Torheim was not for emergency: the latest improved-model delivery chair-hand grips, padded support arms.

The briefcase's telescopic support arms detached at the base, and a few twists of their bottom-most sections brought forth tapered plastic injectors, to which you attached the cartons once you were airside.

The robot eye passed precisely through two support arms, and the bomb came to rest on the very base of the mirror support-structure.