Main"te*nance (?), n. [OF.
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.
South.
2. That which maintains or supports; means of
sustenance; supply of necessaries and conveniences.
Those of better fortune not making learning their
maintenance.
Swift.
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.
Cap of maintenance. See under
Cap.