Subsistence \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)