bolster1
/ˈbəʊlstə
/noun
1A long, thick pillow that is placed under other pillows for support.Sessions were kept short or broken for comfort breaks so that she could be re-positioned with supporting pillows and bolsters....
- Aside from formula, Nadiyah's parents have taken all her favorite items with them, including a pillow and a bolster, to help make the pilgrimage a rewarding experience for her.
- They normally sat cross-legged on the floor, preferably on a carpet with bolsters or pillows.
Synonyms
pillow, cushion, pad, support, rest
2A part on a vehicle or tool providing structural support or reducing friction.The modified double-ground blade and angular bolsters flow into a handle that fits the palm like a glove....
- These screwdrivers had a forged one-piece tempered blade including a bolster and special wings on two sides.
- The bolsters, handle. pivot pin and release mechanism all presented unique technical challenges.
2.1 Building A short timber cap over a post designed to increase the bearing of the beams it supports.
verb [with object]
1Support or strengthen: the fall in interest rates is starting to bolster confidence...
- If stress becomes apparent to the coach, he should attempt to bolster confidence with moral support.
- While working to bolster this great strength, she also took its perceived weaknesses in hand.
- To bolster their market strength today, producers must have the ability to do more than negotiate with the local canner or grocery store.
Synonyms
strengthen, support, reinforce, make stronger, boost, fortify, give a boost to;
prop up, buoy up, shore up, hold up, maintain, buttress, brace, stiffen, uphold;
aid, assist, help;
supplement, augment, feed, add to, increase;
revitalize, invigorate, renew, regenerate
2Provide (a seat) with padded support: (as adjective bolstered) I snuggled down into the heavily bolstered seat...
- The seats are well bolstered and leather trim is also available.
Derivatives
bolsterer
- Before his role as CEO, president and sentimental bolsterer, Bill Ford had made strides from within to bring Ford to a higher level of corporate responsibility.
- Astronomy, geography, and ergonomics are the three scientific bolsterers of Chinese feng shui theory.
- Animals also appear to serve as catalysts for learning, as sources of contact comfort, as outlets for nurturance, as models of positive social behavior, and as bolsterers of staff morale.
Origin
Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch bolster and German Polster.
Rhymes
bolster2
/ˈbəʊlstə/noun
A heavy chisel used for cutting bricks.‘I began to knock the wooden fascia off using a bolster and hammer,’ said Mr Sparkes....
- If you must cut a brick to an exact line, use the bolster.
- Tap the bolster firmly with a club hammer to achieve the desired effect.
Origin
Early 20th century: of unknown origin.