Nour″ish (nŭr″ĭsh), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Nourished (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Nourishing.] [OE. norisen, norischen, OF. nurir, nurrir, norir, F. nourrir, fr. L. nutrire. Cf. Nurse, Nutriment, and see -ish.]
1. To feed and cause to grow; to supply with matter which increases bulk or supplies waste, and promotes health; to furnish with nutriment.
He planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. Is. xliv. 14.
2. To support; to maintain.
Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band. Shak.
3. To supply the means of support and increase to; to encourage; to foster; as, to nourish rebellion; to nourish the virtues. “Nourish their contentions.” Hooker.
4. To cherish; to comfort.
Ye have nourished your hearts. James v. 5.
5. To educate; to instruct; to bring up; to nurture; to promote the growth of in attainments. Chaucer.
Nourished up in the words of faith. 1 Tim. iv. 6.
Syn. — To cherish; feed; supply. See Nurture.