Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - cheer

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English chere face, ~, from Anglo-French, face, from Medieval Latin cara, probably from Greek kara head, face — more at cerebral  Date: 13th century  1.  a. obsolete face  b. archaic facial expression  2. state of mind or heart ; spirit be of good ~ — Matthew 9:2(Authorized Version)  3. lightness of mind and feeling ; animation, gaiety  4. hospitable entertainment ; welcome  5. food and drink for a feast ; fare  6. something that gladdens words of ~  7. a shout of applause or encouragement  II. verb  Date: 14th century  transitive verb  1.  a. to instill with hope or courage ; comfort — usually used with up  b. to make glad or happy — usually used with up  2. to urge on or encourage especially by shouts ~ed the team on  3. to applaud with shouts  intransitive verb  1. obsolete to be mentally or emotionally disposed  2. to grow or be ~ful ; rejoice — usually used with up  3. to utter a shout of applause or triumph  • ~er noun