Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUP-PORT-ER, n.

1. One that supports or maintains.
2. That which supports or upholds; a prop, a pillar, &c. The sockets and supporters of flowers are figured. – Bacon.
3. A sustainer; a comforter. The saints have a companion and supporter in all their miseries. – South.
4. A maintainer; a defender. Worthy supporters of such a reigning impiety. – South.
5. One who maintains or helps to carry on; as, the supporter of a war.
6. An advocate; a defender; a vindicator; as, the supporters of religion, morality, justice, &c.
7. An adherent; one who takes part; as, the supporter of a party or faction.
8. In ship-building, a knee placed under the cat-head.
9. Supporters, in heraldry, are figures of beasts that appear to support the arms. – Johnson.