noun

1. a maintaining or being maintained; upkeep, support, defense, etc.; specif., the work of keeping a building, machinery, etc. in a state of good repair
2. means of support or sustenance; livelihood a job that barely provides a maintenance
3. Law the act of interfering unlawfully in a suit between others by helping either party, as by giving money, to carry it on

Etymology: ME maintenaunce < OFr maintenance