Sub*sist"ence (?), n. [Cf. F. subsistance, L. subsistentia.]

1.

Real being; existence.

Not only the things had subsistence, but the very images were of some creatures existing. Stillingfleet.

2.

Inherency; as, the subsistence of qualities in bodies.

3.

That which furnishes support to animal life; means of support; provisions, or that which produces provisions; livelihood; as, a meager subsistence.

His viceroy could only propose to himself a comfortable subsistence out of the plunder of his province. Addison.

4. Theol.

Same as Hypostasis, 2.

Hooker.

 

© Webster 1913.