maintenance -
n. 1 the process of maintaining or being maintained.
2 a the provision of the means to support life, esp.
by work etc. b (also separate
maintenance) a husband's or wife's
provision for a spouse after separation or divorce; alimony.
3 Law hist. the offence of aiding a party in litigation without lawful cause.
[ME f. OF f. maintenir: see MAINTAIN] 
