Noah Webster
Nerve
NERVE, noun
1. An organ of sensation and motion in animals. The nerves are prolongations of the medullary substance of the brain, which ramify and extend to every part of the body.
2. A sinew or tendon.
3. Strength; firmness of body; as a man of nerve
4. Fortitude; firmness of mind; courage.
5. Strength; force; authority; as the nerves of discipline.
NERVE, verb transitive To give strength or vigor; to arm with force; as, fear nerved his arm.