Sus`ten*ta"tion (?), n. [L. sustentatio sustenance, maintenance, fr. sustentare to support, maintain, v. intens. fr. sustinere to sustain: cf. F. sustentation. See Sustain.]
1.
The act of sustaining, or the state of being sustained; preservation from falling; support; sustenance; maintenance.
2. Physiol.
The aggregate of the functions by which a living organism is maintained in a normal condition of weight and growth.
Sustentation fund Eccl., a fund of a religious body for support of its ministers, chapels, etc.; as, the sustentation fund of the Free Church of Scotland.
© Webster 1913.