Per`se*ver"ance (?), n. [F. pers'ev'erance, L. perseverantia.]

1.

The act of persevering; persistence in anything undertaken; continued pursuit or prosecution of any business, or enterprise begun.

"The king-becoming graces . . . perseverance, mercy, lowliness."

Shak.

Whose constant perseverance overcame Whate'er his cruel malice could invent. Milton.

2.

Discrimination.

[Obs.]

Sir J. Harrington.

3. Theol.

Continuance in a state of grace until it is succeeded by a state of glory; sometimes called final perseverance, and the perseverance of the saints. See Calvinism.

Syn. -- Persistence; steadfastness; constancy; steadiness; pertinacity.

 

© Webster 1913.

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