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.