Sub-sĭst'ence, n.
n. [Fr. subsistance, Sp. & Pg. subsistencia, It. sussistenza. See infra and supra.] 1. Real being. Not only the things had subsistence, but the very images were of some creatures existing. Stillingfleet.
- The state of being subsistent; inherency; as, the subsistence of qualities in bodies.
- That which furnishes support to animal life; means of support; provisions, or that which procures provisions.
His viceroy could only propose to himself a comfortable subsistence out of the plunder of his province. Addison.