Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for MAIN-TE-NANCE
MAIN-TE-NANCE, n.
- Sustenance; sustentation; support by means of supplies of food, clothing and other conveniences; as, his labor contributed little to the maintenance of his family.
- Means of support; that which supplies conveniences. Those of better fortune not making learning their maintenance. Swift.
- Support; protection; defense; vindication; as, the maintenance of right or just claims.
- Continuance; security from failure or decline. Whatever is granted to the church for God's honor and the maintenance of his service, is granted to God. South.
- In law, an officious intermeddling in a suit in which the person has no interest, by assisting either party with money or means to prosecute or defend it. This is a punishable offense. But to assist a poor kinsman from compassion, is not maintenance. Encyc.
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