Sub*sist"ence (?), n. [Cf. F. subsistance, L. subsistentia.]
1.
Real being; existence.
Not only the things had subsistence, but the very images were of some creatures existing.
Stillingfleet.
2.
Inherency; as, the subsistence of qualities in bodies.
3.
That which furnishes support to animal life; means of support; provisions, or that which produces provisions; livelihood; as, a meager subsistence.
His viceroy could only propose to himself a comfortable subsistence out of the plunder of his province.
Addison.
4. Theol.
Same as Hypostasis, 2.
Hooker.
© Webster 1913.