1 the process of maintaining or being maintained.
2 a the provision of the means to support life, esp. by work etc. b (also separate maintenance) a husband's or wife's provision for a spouse after separation or divorce; alimony.
3 Law hist. the offence of aiding a party in litigation without lawful cause.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. maintenir: see MAINTAIN
Useful english dictionary. 2012.