American Dictionary of the English Language

ENCOUR'AGEMENT, noun The act of giving courage, or confidence of success; incitement to action or to practice; incentive. We ought never to neglect the encouragement of youth in generous deeds. The praise of good men serves as an encouragement of virtue and heroism.

1. That which serves to incite, support, promote or advance, as favor, countenance, rewards, profit. A young man attempted the practice of law, but found little encouragement The fine arts find little encouragement among a rude people.