Dictionary entry

Inveteracy

Webster's Dictionary 1913

In‐vet″er‐a‐cy (?), n. [From Inveterate.]

1. Firm establishment by long continuance; firmness or deep-rooted obstinacy of any quality or state acquired by time; as, the inveteracy of custom, habit, or disease; — usually in a bad sense; as, the inveteracy of prejudice or of error.

An inveteracy of evil habits that will prompt him to contract more. A. Tucker.

2. Malignity; spitefulness; virulency.

The rancor of pamphlets, the inveteracy of epigrams, and the mortification of lampoons. Guardian.