SUPPORTER, noun One that supports or maintains. 1. That which supports or upholds; a prop, a pillar, etc. The sockets and supporters of flowers are figured. 2. A sustainer; a comforter. The saints have a companion and supporter in all their miseries. 3. A maintainer; a defender. Worthy supporters of such a reigning impiety. 4. One who maintains or helps to carry on; as the supporters of a war. 5. An advocate; a defender; a vindicator; as the supporters of religion, morality, justice, etc. 6. An adherent; one who takes part; as the supporter of a party or faction. 7. In ship-building, a knee placed under the cat-head. 8. Supporters, in heraldry, are figures of beasts that appear to support the arms.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI