n. & v.
--n.
1. consolation; relief in affliction.
2 a a state of physical well-being; being comfortable (live in comfort). b (usu. in pl.) things that make life easy or pleasant (has all the comforts).
3 a cause of satisfaction (a comfort to me that you are here).
4 a person who consoles or helps one (he's a comfort to her in her old age).
5 US a warm quilt.
--v.tr.
1. soothe in grief; console.
2 make comfortable (comforted by the warmth of the fire).
Phrases and idioms:
comfort station US euphem. a public lavatory.
Etymology: ME f. OF confort(er) f. LL confortare strengthen (as COM-, L fortis strong)