\Sub*vene"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Subvened}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Subvening}.] [Pref. sub- + L. venire to come. See
{Subvention}.]
To come under, as a support or stay; to happen.
      A future state must needs subvene to prevent the whole
      edifice from falling into ruin.          --Bp.
                                               Warburton.