En-cou'r'age-ment, n.

n. [Fr. encouragement, from encourager.] 1. The act of giving courage, or confidence of success; incitement to action or to practice; incentive; as, the encouragement of youth in generous deeds. Somewhile with merry purpose fit to please, And otherwhile with good encouragement. Spenser. 2. That which serves to incite, support, promote, or advance, as favor, countenance, rewards, profit; as, the fine arts find little encouragement among a rude people. To think of his paternal care, Is a most sweet encouragement to prayer. Byron.