A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1666-1700+
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Supporter, n. Also: suporter. [Late ME and e.m.E. supporter (a1450); Support v.] a. A thing which props up or sustains the weight of (a structure). b. In heraldry: The figure of an animal, person or mythical creature holding up or standing beside the shield. —a. 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 197.
Rowing near the isle, I saw the trests and supporters of the oaken table which that Lady Lovat had being sunk in the bottom of the loch 1686 Logie Par. Hist. I 132.
The westmost supporter of Pendreiclis loft is to be placed eastward within his own pews 1746 Stirling B. Rec. II 285.
The supporters of the iron gate … are so ill fixed that unless care be taken thereof the iron gate would fall —b. 1671 Reg. Panmure I xlv.
Three lozen armes, beeing his [the Earl's] whole acheifment, suporters, mantlin, crowne and creast 1699 Wemyss of Bogie MSS.
Ane lozange armes impaild with supporters cresst and motto a1700 Hay Geneal. Sainteclaires 106.
Argent a cross ingrailed sable, for supporters, ane Marmaiden on the Dextre, and ane Griffon on the senistre
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"Supporter n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/supporter>
