%inveteracy%

n. [ From Inveterate. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

An inveteracy of evil habits that will prompt him to contract more. A. Tucker. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Malignity; spitefulness; virulency. [ 1913 Webster ]

The rancor of pamphlets, the inveteracy of epigrams, and the mortification of lampoons. Guardian. [ 1913 Webster ]