sustenance


sustenance (http://definr.com/sustenance)

     n 1: a source of materials to nourish the body [syn: nutriment,
           nourishment, nutrition, aliment, alimentation,
          victuals]
     2: the financial means whereby one lives; "each child was
        expected to pay for their keep"; "he applied to the state
        for support"; "he could no longer earn his own livelihood"
        [syn: support, keep, livelihood, living, {bread
        and butter}]
     3: the act of sustaining [syn: sustentation, sustainment, maintenance,
         upkeep]