subsistence

plural subsistences · alternative archaic subsistance

1. countableuncountableReal being; existence.

   the human nature loseth its proper subsistence , and is assumed into the subsistence of the divine nature

   1686, Edward Stillingfleet, the Doctrines and Practices of the Church of Rome

2. countableuncountableThe act of maintaining oneself at a minimum level.
3. countableuncountableInherency.

   the subsistence of qualities in bodies

4. countableuncountableSomething (food, water, money, etc.) that is required to stay alive.

   His viceroy could only propose to himself a comfortable subsistence out of the plunder of his province.

   1716 February 2 (Gregorian calendar), Joseph Addison, “The Free-holder: No. 10. Sunday, January 23. [1716.]”, in The Works of the Right Honourable Joseph Addison, Esq; […], volume IV, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], published 1721, →OCLC

   1 more example

   In the general course of human nature, a power over a man's subsistence amounts to a power over his will.

   1788, Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist, Dawson, Federalist 79, page 548

   Synonyms: sustenance

5. countableuncountablelifestyleEmbodiment or personification or hypostasis of an underlying principle or quality.