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.
2. The state of being influenced and
determined by something; subjection (as of an effect to its
cause).
The cause of effects, and the dependence of one
thing upon another.
Bp. Burnet.
3. Mutual connection and support;
concatenation; systematic inter-relation.
So dark and so intricate of purpose, without any
dependence or order.
Sir T. More.
4. Subjection to the direction or disposal of
another; inability to help or provide for one's self.
Reduced to a servile dependence on their
mercy.
Burke.
5. A resting with confidence; reliance;
trust.
Affectionate dependence on the Creator is the
spiritual life of the soul.
T. Erskine.
6. That on which one depends or relies; as,
he was her sole dependence.
7. That which depends; anything dependent or
suspended; anything attached a subordinate to, or contingent on,
something else.
Like a large cluster of black grapes they show
And make a large dependence from the bough.
Dryden.
8. A matter depending, or in suspense, and
still to be determined; ground of controversy or quarrel.
[Obs.]
To go on now with my first
dependence.
Beau. & Fl.
