An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To sustain with food or nutriment; supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth; feed.
   

2. To strengthen, build up, or promote (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. norriss-, stem of norrir “raise, bring up, nurture, foster; maintain, provide for,” from L. nutrire “to feed, nurse, foster, support, preserve,” from *nutri, older form of nutrix “nurse,”) literally “she who gives suck.”

Etymology (PE): Fâridan, from the Fârs province dialects Sivandi fâr- and Xori fôr- “to eat,” probably development of Proto-Ir. *hu- “to eat” (Av. x^var-, Pers. xordan, → feed) to f-, also Tajiki furt-, fə- “to gulp, swallow,” maybe from a separate root (Cheung 2007).