Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Embolden \Em*bold"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Emboldened}; p. pr.
   & vb. n. {Emboldening}.]
   To give boldness or courage to; to encourage. --Shak.

         The self-conceit which emboldened him to undertake this
         dangerous office.                        --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.