An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1a) Something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay.

1b) The act or an instance of supporting.

2a) To bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.

2b) To uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one’s vote, etc.; back (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E. supporten, from M.Fr. supporter, from L. supportare “convey, carry, bring forward,” from → sub- “up from under”

• portare “to carry.”

Etymology (PE): Pâdir “a column supporting a building; a post supporting a wall.”