In*vet"er*a*cy (?), n. [From Inveterate.]
1.
Firm establishment by long continuance; firmness or deep-rooted obstinacy of any quality or state acquired by time; as, the inveteracy of custom, habit, or disease; -- usually in a bad sense; as, the inveteracy of prejudice or of error.
An inveteracy of evil habits that will prompt him to contract more.
A. Tucker.
2.
Malignity; spitefulness; virulency.
The rancor of pamphlets, the inveteracy of epigrams, an the mortification of lampoons.
Guardian.
© Webster 1913.