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.