Obs. [f. SUPPORT v. + -MENT.] The act or fact of supporting; support.
1623. T. Powell, Attorn. Acad., A j. To trve Nobilitie and tryde Learning, beholden To no Mountaine for Eminence, nor Supportment for his Height, Francis, Lord Verulam.
1631. R. H., Arraignm. Whole Creature, Ep. Ded. It could not walke without such pillers of supportment.
1638. Wotton, Lett. to Sir E. Bacon, 31 Dec. That not taking effect by the supportment of Spain he fell to other Roman arts.
1641. Milton, Ch. Govt., II. iii. Prelaty both in her fleshly supportments, in her carnall doctrine of ceremonie and tradition.
1658. Owen, Tempt., vii. 151. It [sc. the Gospel] gives supportment, relief, refreshment,… in every condition.
1769. De Foe’s Tour Gt. Brit. (ed. 7), IV. 257. Two steep Hills … joined by two dry Arches, and a Wall of Supportment.
