\De*pend"ence\, n. [LL. dependentia, fr. L.
dependens. See {Dependent}, and cf. {Dependance}.]
1. The act or state of depending; state of being dependent; a
   hanging down or from; suspension from a support.
2. The state of being influenced and determined by something;
   subjection (as of an effect to its cause).
         The cause of effects, and the dependence of one
         thing upon another.                   --Bp. Burnet.
3. Mutu??? ?onnection and support; concatenation; systematic
   ???er relation.
         So dark a??? so intricate of purpose, without any
         dependence or order.                  --Sir T. More.
4. Subjection to the direction or disposal of another;
   inability to help or provide for one's self.
         Reduced to a servile dependence on their mercy.
                                               --Burke.
5. A resting with confidence; reliance; trust.
         Affectionate dependence on the Creator is the
         spiritual life of the soul.           --T. Erskine.
6. That on which one depends or relies; as, he was her sole
   dependence.
7. That which depends; anything dependent or suspended;
   anything attached a subordinate to, or contingent on,
   something else.
         Like a large cluster of black grapes they show And
         make a large dependence from the bough. --Dryden.
8. A matter depending, or in suspense, and still to be
   determined; ground of controversy or quarrel. [Obs.]
         To go on now with my first dependence. --Beau. & Fl.