I. ˈəˌpōd noun
Etymology: Middle English (Scots) uphald, from Old English ūpheald, from ūp up + heald hold — more at up , hold
chiefly Scotland : support , stay
II. |əp|hōld, (ˌ)əˈpō- sometimes _əpˈhō- transitive verb
( up·held |əp|held, (ˌ)əˈpe- sometimes _əpˈhe- ; upheld ; upholding ; upholds )
Etymology: Middle English uphalden, upholden, from up + halden, holden to hold — more at hold
1.
a. : to give support to (as by help or action) : sustain , maintain
tried to uphold the morale of the occupied capital — F.L.Paxson
the patrol went on … after the earthquake, thus upholding the finest traditions of this force — Francis Kingdon-Ward
b.
(1) : to support against an opponent : defend
enough to uphold … the air generals against a strong and well-seated opposition — J.G.Cozzens
(2) dialect Britain : affirm , warrant , guarantee
will uphold that you are the coolest hand that I ever came nigh — George Borrow
(3) : to adjudge constitutional or legally valid
his language toward a witness was censured by the court of appeals but his decision upheld — Current Biography
c. chiefly Britain : to keep in good repair : keep on the same level
2.
a. : to give physical support to : keep elevated
slender Corinthian columns uphold the hipped roof — American Guide Series: Louisiana
b. : to lift up : raise
upheld their clenched hands — F.W.Farrar