Supporter \Sup*port"er\, n.

1. One who, or that which, supports; as, oxygen is a supporter of life.

The sockets and supporters of flowers are figured. --Bacon.

The saints have a . . . supporter in all their miseries. --South.

2. Especially, an adherent; one who sustains, advocates, and defends; as, the supporter of a party, faction, or candidate.

3. (Shipbuilding) A knee placed under the cathead.

4. (Her.) 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.

5. (Med.) A broad band or truss for supporting the abdomen or some other part or organ.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)