Maintenance /(?)/

Main·te·nance

Maintenance

n.
  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. 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. (Crim. Law)
  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.

Phrases & Compounds
Cap of maintenance
See under Cap.