Supporter /(?)/

Sup·port·er

Supporter

n.
  1. One who, or that which, supports; as, oxygen is a supporter of life.
    The sockets and supporters of flowers are figured.
    The saints have a . . . supporter in all their miseries.
  2. Especially, an adherent; one who sustains, advocates, and defends; as, the supporter of a party, faction, or candidate.
  3. A knee placed under the cathead. (Shipbuilding)
  4. 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. (Her.)
  5. A broad band or truss for supporting the abdomen or some other part or organ. (Med.)