Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-VET'ER-A-CY, n. [L. inveteratio. See Inveterate.]

Long continuance, or the firmness or deep rooted obstinacy of any quality or state acquired by time; as, the inveteracy of custom and habit; usually or always applied in a bad sense; as, the inveteracy of prejudice, of error, or of any evil habit.