nourish
1. To feed and cause to grow; to supply with matter which increases bulk or supplies waste, and promotes health; to furnish with nutriment. He planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. (Is. Xliv. 14)
2. To support; to maintain. Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band. (Shak)
3. To supply the means of support and increase to; to encourage; to foster; as, to nourish rebellion; to nourish the virtues. Nourish their contentions.
4. To cherish; to comfort. Ye have nourished your hearts. (James v. 5)
5. To educate; to instruct; to bring up; to nurture; to promote the growth of in attainments. Nourished up in the words of faith. (1 Tim. Iv. 6)
Synonym: To cherish, feed, supply. See nurture.
Origin: OE. Norisen, norischen, OF. Nurir, nurrir, norir, F. Norrir, fr. L. Nutrire. Cf. Nurse, Nutriment, and see -ish.
Dictionary > Nourish
