transitive. To strengthen (morally or spiritually); to encourage, hearten, inspirit, incite. Obsolete.

To make firm, fortify, encourage, strengthen (in an opinion, action, or purpose).

transitive. To secure or fasten from the under-side, as by a rope or chain passed underneath. Frequently figurative (now the dominant use).

To establish, settle, confirm (a person, etc.); to strengthen (in resolution), encourage. Obsolete.