The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Embolden \Em*bold"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Emboldened; p. pr. & vb. n. Emboldening.] To give boldness or courage to; to encourage. --Shak. [1913 Webster] The self-conceit which emboldened him to undertake this dangerous office. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]