The supporting or upholding of a physical weight or strain. Formerly also: the action or an act of supporting or defending a person, esp. a person…

The action of maintain, v.; maintenance, support, etc.

The action of sustain, v. (in various senses). Also: an instance or the result of this.

Provision of assistance; the showing or expressing of approval; backing or backing up.

The action of supporting with props, etc.; also concrete, that which serves to underprop.

The action of supporting at the back.

The action of sustaining or supporting by aid or influence.

The action or an act of supporting or sustaining a person; the fact of being supported; esp. spiritual support or sustenance. Also occasionally…