1. (n.) A broker or auctioneer; a tradesman.

2. (n.) An undertaker, or provider for funerals.

3. (n.) An upholsterer.

4. (n.) One who, or that which, upholds; a supporter; a defender; a sustainer.

Maecenas abettor admirer advocate aficionado alpenstock angel apologist approver arm athletic supporter back backbone backer backing bandeau bearer bra brace bracer bracket brassiere buff buttress cane carrier certifier cervix champion confirmer corset cosignatory cosigner crook crutch defender dependence encourager endorser exponent fan favorer foundation garment friend at court fulcrum girdle guarantor guard guy guywire insurer jock jockstrap lover mainstay maintainer mast neck notary notary public paladin paranymph partisan party patron promoter prop protagonist protector ratifier reinforce reinforcement reinforcer reliance rest resting place rigging second seconder sectary shoulder shroud sider signatory spine sponsor sprit staff stalwart standby standing rigging stave stay stick stiffener strengthener subscriber support supporter sustainer sympathizer underwriter vindicator votary walking stick well-wisher