Definition of bolster

< bolson

bolt >

bol·ster    (blstr) KEY 

NOUN:

A long narrow pillow or cushion.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
bol·stered, bol·ster·ing, bol·sters

1. To support or prop up with or as if with a long narrow pillow or cushion.
2. To buoy up or hearten: Visitors bolstered the patient's morale.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English; see bhelgh- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
bolster·er(Noun)