sufferance

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Noun 1.1.1 Related terms 1.1.2 Dictionary notes

[edit] English

[edit] Noun

sufferance (plural sufferances)

1. Endurance, especially patiently, of pain or adversity.
   • 1826, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, The Last Man, ch. 4,

     I indulged in this meditation for a moment, and then again addressed the mourner, who stood leaning against the bed with that expression of resigned despair, of complete misery, and a patient sufferance of it, which is far more touching than any of the insane ravings or wild gesticulation of untamed sorrow.

2. Acquiescence or tacit compliance with some circumstance, behavior, or instruction.
   • 1910, Arthur Quiller-Couch, Lady Good-for-Nothing, ch. 20,

     When his talk trespasses beyond sufferance, I chastise him.

3. (archaic) Pain, misery.
   • 1612, William Shakespeare, King Henry VIII, act 2, sc. 3,

     'Tis a sufferance panging

     As soul and body's severing.

[edit] Related terms

• on sufferance

[edit] Dictionary notes