Cheer | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Cheer, n.

noun

n. [O. Fr. chère, chiere, face, aspect, air (good or bad), welcome, cheer; N. Fr. chère, cheer, fare, Pr., Sp., & Pg. cara, It. cera, ciera, face, mien, from Gr. κάρα, head, face, L. Lat. cara.] 1. The countenance and its expression. “Sweat of thy cheer.” Wycliffe. His words their drooping cheer Enlightened. Milton. 2. A state of feeling or spirits. “Be of good cheer.” Matt. ix. 2. The parents of the virgins fled away with heavy cheer. Holland. 3. A state of gayety, mirth, or good spirits. I have not that alacrity of spirits, Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have. Shak.

That which promotes good spirits or gayety; provisions prepared for a feast; entertainment; as, a table loaded with good cheer.
The outward expression of good spirits or gayety, by shouting or acclamation, &c.; applause; encouragement; as, to receive a speaker with cheers; to follow the hounds in hunting with cheers.

Cheer, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. CHEERED; p. pr. & vb. n. CHEERING.] [From the noun. See supra.]

Sense 1. To cause to rejoice; to gladden; to render cheerful. “Cheered with wine and food.” Chapman.

Of love, romance, devotion is his bay, As whilom he was wont the leagues to cheer. Byron.

Sense 2. To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, &c., into; to solace or comfort.

The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered. Dryden.

Sense 3. To urge on or salute by cheers; as, to cheer hounds in a chase; to cheer a ship.

Synonyms—To gladden; encourage; inspirit; comfort; console; enliven; refresh; exhilarate; animate.

Cheer, v. i.

verbintransitive

Sense 1. To grow cheerful; to become gladsome or joyous. At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up. Phillips. 2. To be in any state or temper of mind. [Obs.] How cheer'st thou, Jessica? Shak.