That bears a person or thing (in various other senses of bear, v.1). Now chiefly: that supports or upholds (something) physically. Now somewhat rare.

Having the function of carrying or supporting something. Obsolete.

That prevents falling, sinking, or giving way; that holds or props something up; that bears all or part of a weight. Also in figurative contexts (cf…

Propping, supporting.

That prevents falling, sinking, or giving way; that holds something in place; that bears all or part of a weight. Earliest in figurative…

Of the nature of a supporting framework or permanent substratum: cf. firmament, n. 3.

Offering support or sustenance; sustaining.

In the sense ‘that holds up or sustains the weight of a body, that keeps a body upright, on which a body rests’, as support beam, support wall, etc.

Architecture and Civil Engineering. That supports or holds up a building, earthwork, etc. Frequently in sustaining wall. Cf. supporting, adj. 2.

Of a physical object or structure: not requiring support in order to maintain its form or position.