Cheer — Defs

01 n. The face; the countenance or its expression.

1.
The face; the countenance or its expression.[Obs.]
2.
Feeling; spirit; state of mind or heart.
“Be of good cheer.” — Matt. ix. 2.

“The parents . . . fled away with heavy cheer.” — Holland.
3.
Gayety; mirth; cheerfulness; animation.
“I have not that alacrity of spirit, Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.” — Shak.
4.
That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness; provisions prepared for a feast; entertainment; as, a table loaded with good cheer.
5.
A shout, hurrah, or acclamation, expressing joy enthusiasm, applause, favor, etc.
“Welcome her, thundering cheer of the street.” — Tennyson.

Phrases & compounds

What cheer? — How do you fare? What is there that is cheering?

02 v. t. To cause to rejoice; to gladden; to make cheerful; -- often with up.

imp. & p. p. Cheered; p. pr. & vb. n. cheering

1.
To cause to rejoice; to gladden; to make cheerful; -- often with up.
2.
To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.
“The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered.” — Dryden.
3.
To salute or applaud with cheers; to urge on by cheers; as, to cheer hounds in a chase.

Phrases & compounds

To cheer ship — to salute a passing ship by cheers of sailors stationed in the rigging.

03 v. i. To grow cheerful; to become gladsome or joyous; -- usually with up.

1.
To grow cheerful; to become gladsome or joyous; -- usually with up.
“At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up.” — A. Philips.
2.
To be in any state or temper of mind.[Obs.]
“How cheer'st thou, Jessica?” — Shak.
3.
To utter a shout or shouts of applause, triumph, etc.
“And even the ranks of Tusculum Could scare forbear to cheer.” — Macaulay.