Bolster
/ˈboʊl.stɚ/noun
A long pillow or cushion used for support; to support, strengthen, or prop up.
Did you know?The word comes from Old English *bolster*, a literal cushion, and its deep roots are tied to a Proto-Indo-European base meaning “to swell” or “stuff,” the same ancient idea behind words for bulging, swelling, and fullness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“to swell, blow up, or be inflated”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bolstrą
“cushion, pillow, bolster”
Old English
OE
bolster
“a cushion or pillow”
Middle English
ME
bolster
“a long pillow or pad for support”
Modern English
English
bolster
“a support, especially a long pillow; to strengthen or support”