Inveteracy
Pronunciation : In*vet"er*a*cy
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [From Inveterate.]
Definition : 1. Firm establishment by long continuance; firmness or deep-rooted obstinacy of any quality or state acquired by time; as, the inveteracy of custom, habit, or disease; -- usually in a bad sense; as, the inveteracy of prejudice or of error. An inveteracy of evil habits that will prompt him to contract more. A. Tucker.
2. Malignity; spitefulness; virulency. The rancor of pamphlets, the inveteracy of epigrams, an the mortification of lampoons. Guardian.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913