Per`se*ver"ance (?), n. [F. pers'ev'erance, 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.
Whose constant perseverance overcame
Whate'er his cruel malice could invent.
Milton.
2. Discrimination. [Obs.]
Sir J. Harrington.
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.
Syn. -- Persistence; steadfastness; constancy; steadiness; pertinacity.
© Webster 1913. | 
