Sustentation
Pronunciation : Sus`ten*ta"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. sustentatio sustenance, maintenance, fr. sustentare to support, maintain, v. intens. fr. sustinere to sustain: cf. F. sustentation. See Sustain.]
Definition : 1. The act of sustaining, or the state of being sustained; preservation from falling; support; sustenance; maintenance.
2. (Physiol.)
Defn: The aggregate of the functions by which a living organism is maintained in a normal condition of weight and growth. Sustentation fund (Eccl.), a fund of a religious body for support of its ministers, chapels, etc.; as, the sustentation fund of the Free Church of Scotland.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913