[sub.sis.tence] n [ME, fr. LL subsistentia, fr. subsistent-, subsistens, prp. of subsistere] (15c) 1 a (1): real being: existence (2): the condition of remaining in existence: continuation, persistence b: an essential characteristic quality of something that exists c: the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable
2: means of subsisting: as a: the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life b: a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life -- sub.sis.tent adj