- Dependence
- Dependence De*pend"ence, n. [LL. dependentia, fr. L.
dependens. See {Dependent}, and cf. {Dependance}.]
1. The act or state of depending; state of being dependent; a
hanging down or from; suspension from a support.
[1913 Webster]
2. The state of being influenced and determined by something; subjection (as of an effect to its cause). [1913 Webster]
The cause of effects, and the dependence of one thing upon another. --Bp. Burnet. [1913 Webster]
3. Mutual connection and support; concatenation; systematic inter-relation. [1913 Webster]
So dark and so intricate of purpose, without any dependence or order. --Sir T. More. [1913 Webster]
4. Subjection to the direction or disposal of another; inability to help or provide for one's self; a lack of independence or self-sufficiency.
Syn: dependance, dependency. [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]
Reduced to a servile dependence on their mercy. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
5. A resting with confidence; reliance; trust. [1913 Webster]
Affectionate dependence on the Creator is the spiritual life of the soul. --T. Erskine. [1913 Webster]
6. That on which one depends or relies; as, he was her sole dependence. [1913 Webster]
7. That which depends; anything dependent or suspended; anything attached a subordinate to, or contingent on, something else. [1913 Webster]
Like a large cluster of black grapes they show And make a large dependence from the bough. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
8. A matter depending, or in suspense, and still to be determined; ground of controversy or quarrel. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
To go on now with my first dependence. --Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.