Maintenance
Maintenance , noun
[Old French maintenance. See Maintain.]
1.
The act of maintaining; sustenance; support; defense; vindication.
Whatsoever is granted to the church for God's honor and the maintenance of his service, is granted to God.
2.
That which maintains or supports; means of sustenance; supply of necessaries and conveniences.
Those of better fortune not making learning their maintenance.
3.
(Crim. Law) An officious or unlawful intermeddling in a cause depending between others, by assisting either party with money or means to carry it on. See Champerty. — Wharton
4.
Those actions required for the care of machinery, a building, etc., to keep it clean and in proper functioning condition, and to prevent or forestall damage due to normal use.
5.
Payments, such as child support or alimony, to a dependent child not living with one or to a divorced wife.
Collocations (1)
Cap of maintenance , See under Cap.