Nourish

(nŭr'ish), v. t. [imp. & p. p. NOURISHED (nŭr'isht); p. pr. & vb. n. NOURISHING.] [O. Fr. nurir, nurrir, norir, norrir, N. Fr. nourrir, from Lat. nutrire; Pr. neürir, nuyrir, noirir, noyrir, Sp. & Pg. nutrir, It. nutrire.]

1Sense 1. To feed and cause to grow; to supply with matter which increases bulk or supplies waste; to furnish with nutriment; to support.

He planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. Is. xliv. 14.

Whilst I in Ireland nourish a mighty band, I will stir up in England some black storm. Shak.

2Sense 2. To supply the means of support and increase to; to encourage; as, to nourish rebellion; to nourish the virtues.

What madness was it, with such proofs, to nourish their contentions! Hooker.

3Sense 3. To cherish; to comfort. “Ye have nourished your hearts.” James v. 5.

4Sense 4. To educate; to instruct; to promote growth in attainments. “Nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine.” 1 Tim. iv. 6.

Synonyms—To nurture; cherish; feed; provide; supply. See NURTURE.

(nûr'ish), v. i. 1. To promote growth. Grains and roots nourish more than leaves. Bacon. 2. To gain nourishment. [Rare.] Bacon.

n. A nurse. [Obs.] Holland.