| 词源 |
bolster n.Old English bolster "bolster, cushion, something stuffed so that it swells up," especially "a long, stuffed pillow," from Proto-Germanic *bolkhstraz (source also of Old Norse bolstr, Danish, Swedish, Dutch bolster, German polster), from PIE *bhelgh- "to swell," extended form of root *bhel- (2) "to blow, swell." Applied since 15c. to various parts which support others. bolster v. mid-15c. (implied in bolstered), "prop up; make to bulge" (originally of a woman's breasts), from bolster (n.). The figurative sense of "uphold; maintain" a weak or falling cause or object" is from c. 1500, on the notion of "to support with a bolster, prop up." Formerly often negative, implying an unworthy cause or object. Related: Bolstering. This fair floure of womanheed Hath too pappys also smalle, Bolsteryd out of lenghth and breed Lyche a large campyng balle. [Lydgate, "My fayr lady," c. 1460] updated on October 19, 2022 |