/hel"peuhr/ , n.
1. a person or thing that helps or gives assistance, support, etc.
2. an extra locomotive attached to a train at the front, middle, or rear, esp. to provide extra power for climbing a steep grade. Cf. doubleheader, pusher (def. 5).
[ 1250-1300; ME; see HELP, -ER 1 ]
Syn. 1. aid, assistant; supporter, backer, auxiliary, ally.