Main"te*nance (?), n. [OF. maintenance. See Maintain.]
1.
The act of maintaining; sustenance; support; defense; vindication.
Whatsoever is granted to the church for God's honor and the maintenance of his service, is granted to God.
South.
2.
That which maintains or supports; means of sustenance; supply of necessaries and conveniences.
Those of better fortune not making learning their maintenance.
Swift.
3. Crim.Law
An officious or unlawful intermeddling in a cause depending between others, by assisting either party with money or means to carry it on. See Champerty.
Wharton.
Cap of maintenance. See under Cap.
© Webster 1913.