Sup*port"er (?), n.
1.
One who, or that which, supports; as, oxygen is a supporter of life.
The sockets and supporters of flowers are figured.
Bacon.
The saints have a . . . supporter in all their miseries.
South.
2.
Especially, an adherent; one who sustains, advocates, and defends; as, the supporter of a party, faction, or candidate.
3. Shipbuilding
A knee placed under the cathead.
4. Her.
A figure, sometimes of a man, but commonly of some animal, placed on either side of an escutcheon, and exterior to it. Usually, both supporters of an escutcheon are similar figures.
5. Med.
A broad band or truss for supporting the abdomen or some other part or organ.
<-- athletic supporter. A supprter (Def. 5), specifically to support the male testicles while engaged in vigorous athletics. Also called a jock or a jockstrap. -->
© Webster 1913.