feeder

n. 1. One who, or that which, gives food or supplies nourishment; steward. [ 1913 Webster ]

A couple of friends, his chaplain and feeder. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who furnishes incentives; an encourager. “The feeder of my riots.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One who eats or feeds; specifically, an animal to be fed or fattened. [ 1913 Webster ]

With eager feeding, food doth choke the feeder. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. One who fattens cattle for slaughter. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. A stream that flows into another body of water; a tributary; specifically (Hydraulic Engin.), a water course which supplies a canal or reservoir by gravitation or natural flow. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. A branch railroad, stage line, air route, or the like; a side line which increases the business of the main line. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

7. (Mining) (a) A small lateral lode falling into the main lode or mineral vein. Ure. (b) A strong discharge of gas from a fissure; a blower. Raymond. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Mach.) An auxiliary part of a machine which supplies or leads along the material operated upon. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Steam Engine) A device for supplying steam boilers with water as needed. [ 1913 Webster ]