Also 6–8 strengthner. [f. STRENGTHEN v. + -ER1.] One who or something that strengthens.
1579. J. Jones, Preserv. Bodie & Soule, I. xi. 24. Exercise … is the preseruer of mans life,… strengthner of the partes, death of disseases.
1635. Jackson, Creed, VIII. xxix. 340. But vinegar,… mingled with hyssop, is a strengthener.
1645. G. Smith, England’s Pressures, 14. These have beene the strengthners of the hands of the Enemies.
1733. Cheyne, Eng. Malady, II. iv. § 3 (1734), 144. There is not a more wonderful Strengthner of the Solids … than the Jesuits Bark.
1768–74. Tucker, Lt. Nat. (1834), II. 235. The grand strengthener of faith and every other virtue is a behaviour conformable thereto.
1805. Wordsw., Prelude, V. 422. Simplicity in habit, truth in speech, Be these the daily strengtheners of their minds.
1825. L. Hunt, Redi’s Bacchus in Tuscany, 120. Tea is highly commended … as a strengthener to the head and stomach.
1845. G. Dodd, Brit. Manuf., IV. 152. If we open a piano-forte … we shall see bars and rods and strengtheners of various kinds.
1872. O. W. Holmes, Poet Breakf.-t., v. They go for weakness whenever they see it, with stimulants and strengtheners.
