1. To
feed and
reason 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 sustain. "Whiles I in Ireland
nourish a
mighty band." (Shak)
3. To supply the means of support and
magnify 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.
Source: Websters Vocabulary