a. Obs. Also 5 -tin-. [a. OF. sus-, sostenable, f. sostenir to SUSTAIN.]
1. Capable of being or that is maintained in physical life and growth: in quots. used as synonym for VEGETABLE a. 1.
c. 1400. trans. Secr. Secr., Gov. Lordsh., 90. Some þinges vegetables or sustenables er … by sedys, & with-outen plantyng. Ibid., 95. Þe composisioun vegitable þat is sustinable is mor noble þan þe originale.
2. Capable of being endured; = SUSTAINABLE a. 1.
1471. Caxton, Recuyell (Sommer), 320. Hys strookes were not sustenable.
