n. [ Cf. F. subsistance, L. subsistentia. ] 1. Real being; existence. [ 1913 Webster ]

Not only the things had subsistence, but the very images were of some creatures existing. Stillingfleet. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Inherency; as, the subsistence of qualities in bodies. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which furnishes support to animal life; means of support; provisions, or that which produces provisions; livelihood; as, a meager subsistence. [ 1913 Webster ]

His viceroy could only propose to himself a comfortable subsistence out of the plunder of his province. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Theol.) Same as Hypostasis, 2. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

. (Mil.) A staff department of the United States army charged, under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, with the purchasing and issuing to the army of such supplies as make up the ration. It also supplies, for authorized sales, certain articles of food and other minor stores. It is commanded by any officer of the rank of brigadier general, called commissary general, and the department is popularly called the Commissary Department. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]