a. Obs. rare. In 5 -yf. [? irreg. formed as adj. to SUSTAIN; cf. SUSTENABLE.] Having the function of sustaining physical life.
c. 1400. trans. Secr. Secr., Gov. Lordsh., 96. Strengthe nutrityf, and infirmatyf, and sustantyf [orig. nutritiua informatiua & vegetatiua]. Þe wirkynge of þis last, þat þe Auctour clepys vegetatyf, & I here strenght sustantyf, [etc.].
