sustenance

sus·te·nance

1. a. The act of sustaining.
   b. The condition of being sustained.
2. The supporting of life or health; maintenance: “to deliver in every morning six beeves, forty sheep, and other victuals for my sustenance” (Jonathan Swift).
3. Something, especially food, that sustains life or health.
4. Means of livelihood.

Origin: Middle English, from Old French, from sustenir, to sustain; see sustain .