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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The state of being influenced and determined by something; subjection (as of an effect to its cause). [ 1913 Webster ] The cause of effects, and the dependence of one thing upon another. Bp. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Mutual connection and support; concatenation; systematic inter-relation. [ 1913 Webster ] So dark and so intricate of purpose, without any dependence or order. Sir T. More. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Subjection to the direction or disposal of another; inability to help or provide for one's self; a lack of independence or self-sufficiency.
Syn. -- dependance, dependency. [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ] Reduced to a servile dependence on their mercy. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. A resting with confidence; reliance; trust. [ 1913 Webster ] Affectionate dependence on the Creator is the spiritual life of the soul. T. Erskine. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. That on which one depends or relies; as, he was her sole dependence. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. That which depends; anything dependent or suspended; anything attached a subordinate to, or contingent on, something else. [ 1913 Webster ] Like a large cluster of black grapes they show
And make a large dependence from the bough. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. A matter depending, or in suspense, and still to be determined; ground of controversy or quarrel. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] To go on now with my first dependence. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
