King James Bible Dictionary

The Hebrew word kebir, rendered "pillow" in 1 Samuel 19:13, 16, but in Revised Version marg. "quilt" or "network," probably means some counterpane or veil intended to protect the head of the sleeper. A different Hebrew word (meraashoth') is used for "bolster" (1 Samuel 26:7, 11, 16). It is rightly rendered in Revised Version "at his head." In Genesis 28:11, 18 the Authorized Version renders it "for his pillows," and the Revised Version "under his head." In Ezekiel 13:18, 20 another Hebrew word (kesathoth) is used, properly denoting "cushions" or "pillows," as so rendered both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.

BOLSTER, noun

1. A long pillow or cushion, used to support the head of persons lying on a bed; generally laid under the pillows.

2. A pad, or quilt, used to hinder pressure, support any part of the body, or make a bandage sit easy upon a wounded part a compress.

3. In sadlery, a part of a saddle raised upon the bows or hinder part, to hold the rider's thigh.

4. In ships, a cushion or bag, filled with tarred canvas, used to preserve the stays from being worn or chafed by the masts.

BOLSTER, verb transitive To support with a bolster pillow or any soft pad or quilt.

1. To support; to hold up; to maintain.

2. To afford a bed to.

BOLSTERED, adjective Swelled out.

BOLSTERER, noun A supporter.

BOLSTERING,noun A prop or support.