[UP- 6 b.] Supporting, sustaining.
1553. Poynet, Short Catech., 43. [The] church, which Paul calleth the piller, and vpholding stay of truth.
1561. T. N[orton], trans. Calvin’s Inst., III. xxi. 239. The vpholdyng stay of sounde affiance.
1674. Boyle, Excell. Theol., I. i. 27. Though the soul of man, by the continuance of his ordinary and upholding concourse, may survive the body.
1724. E. Erskine, Wks. (1791), 122/1. His quickening, strengthening, and upholding presence may be withdrawn.
1784. Cowper, Task, III. 658. Flow’rs … expect th’ upholding aid Of the smooth-shaven prop.
c. 1830. Bryant, Forest Hymn, 67. The indwelling Life,… the upholding Love, That are the soul of this wide universe.
1890. ‘L. Falconer,’ Mlle. Ixe, vi. She … would have fallen, but for the timely aid of two upholding arms.
