ˌsəstən.ˈtāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin sustentation-, sustentatio act of holding up, from sustentatus (past participle of sustentare ) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act of sustaining or the state of being sustained: as
a. : maintenance , upkeep
taxes for the sustentation of a state college
b. : preservation , conservation
the sustentation of peace in a nation
c. : maintenance of life, growth, courage, morale
d. : provision with sustenance
gave seeds … and nectar of flowers for the sustentation of His small birds — W.H.Hudson †1922
e. : physical support : a holding up or state of being held up
2. : something that sustains or provides sustenance : support