Sup*port"er (?), n. 1.
One who, or that which, supports; as, oxygen is a
supporter of life.
The sockets and supporters of flowers are
figured.
Bacon.
The saints have a . . . supporter in all their
miseries.
South.
2. Especially, an adherent; one who sustains,
advocates, and defends; as, the supporter of a party, faction,
or candidate.
3. (Shipbuilding) A knee placed under
the cathead.
4. (Her.) A figure, sometimes of a man,
but commonly of some animal, placed on either side of an escutcheon,
and exterior to it. Usually, both supporters of an escutcheon are
similar figures.
5. (Med.) A broad band or truss for
supporting the abdomen or some other part or organ.