Dependence \De*pend"ence\, n. [LL. dependentia, fr. L. dependens. See Dependent, and cf. Dependance.]

1. The act or state of depending; state of being dependent; a hanging down or from; suspension from a support.

2. The state of being influenced and determined by something; subjection (as of an effect to its cause).

The cause of effects, and the dependence of one thing upon another. --Bp. Burnet.

3. Mutu??? ?onnection and support; concatenation; systematic ???er relation.

So dark a??? so intricate of purpose, without any dependence or order. --Sir T. More.

4. Subjection to the direction or disposal of another; inability to help or provide for one's self.

Reduced to a servile dependence on their mercy. --Burke.

5. A resting with confidence; reliance; trust.

Affectionate dependence on the Creator is the spiritual life of the soul. --T. Erskine.

6. That on which one depends or relies; as, he was her sole dependence.

7. That which depends; anything dependent or suspended; anything attached a subordinate to, or contingent on, something else.

Like a large cluster of black grapes they show And make a large dependence from the bough. --Dryden.

8. A matter depending, or in suspense, and still to be determined; ground of controversy or quarrel. [Obs.]

To go on now with my first dependence. --Beau. & Fl.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)