Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER-SE-VER'ANCE, n. [Fr. from L. perseverantia. See Persevere.]

1. Persistence in any thing undertaken; continued pursuit or prosecution of any business or enterprise begun; applied alike to good and evil. Perseverance keeps honor bright. – Shak. Patience and perseverance overcome the greatest difficulties. – Clarissa.
2. In theology, continuance in a state of grace to a state of glory; sometimes called final perseverance. – Hammond.