Sustentation

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of sustaining, or the state of being sustained; preservation from falling; support; sustenance; maintenance.

2. The aggregate of the functions by which a living organism is maintained in a normal condition of weight and growth. Sustentation fund (Eccl.), a fund of a religious body for support of its ministers, chapels, etc.; as, the sustentation fund of the Free Church of Scotland.