In*vet"er*a*cy (?), n. [From
Inveterate.]
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, and the mortification of lampoons.
Guardian.