n. [ F. persévérance, 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Whose constant perseverance overcame Whate'er his cruel malice could invent. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Discrimination. [ Obs. ] Sir J. Harrington. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Persistence; steadfastness; constancy; steadiness; pertinacity. [ 1913 Webster ] |