To nourish or nurse.
To encourage, especially the growth or development of something.
That which nourishes; food; diet.
The act of nourishing or nursing; tender care
The environmental influences that contribute to the development of an individual (as opposed to "nature").
To keep in possession or use.
To employ by paying a retainer.
To hold back (a pupil) instead of allowing them to advance to the next class or year.
To keep in one's pay or service.
To hold secure.