nourish

NOURISH, v.t. [G. to nourish, cannot be the same word unless they have lost a dental, which may perhaps be the fact.]

1. To feed and cause to grow; to supply a living or organized body, animal or vegetable, with matter which increases its bulk or supplies the waste occasioned by any of its functions; to supply with nutriment.

2. To support; to maintain by feeding. Genesis 47.

Whilst I in Ireland nourish a mighty band, I will stir up in England some black storm.

3. To supply the means of support and increase; to encourage; as, to nourish rebellion; to nourish the virtues.

What madness was ti, with such proofs, to nourish their contentions!

4. To cherish; to comfort. James 5.

5. To educate; to instruct; to promote growth in attainments. 1 Timothy 4.

NOURISH, v.i.

1. To promote growth.

Grains and roots nourish more then leaves. [Elliptical.]

2. To gain nourishment. [Unusual.]