n. 1. The act of maintaining or the state of being maintained: nutrients essential to the maintenance of good health. 2. The work of keeping something in proper condition; upkeep: car maintenance. 3. a. Provision of support or livelihood: took over the maintenance of her family. b. Means of support or livelihood: was ordered to pay maintenance for both children. 4. Law The wrongful aiding of another in the pursuit or defense of a lawsuit, especially in jurisdictions where nonparties are legally prohibited to provide financial assistance. [Middle English maintenaunce, from Old French maintenance, from maintenir, to maintain; see MAINTAIN.] |
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