ˈa.lɪ.mənt kiːp ˈlaɪvlɪhʊd ˈlaɪvlihʊd ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈmeɪnt(ə)nəns ˈnɝɪʃmənt njuːˈtɹɪ.ʃən nuˈtɹɪ.ʃən ˈsʌs.tə.nəns ˈvɪtl̩z the act of sustaining life by food or providing a means of subsistence they were in want of sustenance fishing was their main sustainment a source of materials to nourish the body 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