De-pēnd'ence, n.
n. [L. Lat. dependentia, from Lat. dependens; Fr. dépendance, Sp. dependencia, It. dipendenza. See infra.]
Sense 1. The act or state of depending or of being dependent; the act of hanging down; suspension from a support.
Sense 2. Subjection to the action of a cause or law; as, the dependence of cause and effect.
Sense 3. Mutual connection and support; concatenation; systematic inter-relation. “Dark and intricate of purpose, without any dependence or order.” More.
Sense 4. Subjection to the direction or disposal of another; inability to help or provide for one's self.
Sense 5. A resting with confidence; reliance; trust. Affectionate dependence on the Creator is the spiritual life of the soul. T. Erskine.
Sense 6. That on which one depends or relies; as, he was her sole dependence.
Sense 7. That which depends; a thing dependent, as a thing or connected series of things hanging down or suspended. “A large dependence from the bough.” Dryden.
Sense 8. A matter which is depending, or in suspense, and still to be determined; ground of controversy or quarrel. [Obs.] “To go on now with my first dependence.” Beau. & Fl.