v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Supplied p. pr. & vb. n. Supplying ] [ For older supploy, F. suppléer, OF. also supployer, (assumed) LL. suppletare, from L. supplere, suppletum; sub under + plere to fill, akin to plenus full. See Plenty. ] 1. To fill up, or keep full; to furnish with what is wanted; to afford, or furnish with, a sufficiency; as, rivers are supplied by smaller streams; an aqueduct supplies an artificial lake; -- often followed by with before the thing furnished; as, to supply a furnace with fuel; to supply soldiers with ammunition. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. To serve instead of; to take the place of. [ 1913 Webster ]
Burning ships the banished sun supply. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ]
The sun was set, and Vesper, to supply
His absent beams, had lighted up the sky. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. To fill temporarily; to serve as substitute for another in, as a vacant place or office; to occupy; to have possession of; as, to supply a pulpit. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. To give; to bring or furnish; to provide; as, to supply money for the war. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- To furnish; provide; administer; minister; contribute; yield; accommodate. [ 1913 Webster ]