Obs. Also -aunce. [a. F. constance (14th c. in Littré; = Pr., Sp. constancia, It. costanza), ad. L. constāntia, n. of quality f. constānt-em CONSTANT: see -ANCE.]
1. Steadfastness, firmness, resolution faithfulness, fidelity; = CONSTANCY 1, 2.
1340. Ayenb., 167. Þe vifte stape of þise uirtu is ycleped constance … þet makeþ þe herte strang.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Clerk’s T., 612. Whan this marquys say The constance of his wyf.
1490. Caxton, How to die, 4. The constaunce and stedefastnesse of the fayth.
1531. Elyot, Gov., III. xix., heading. Of Constance or Stabilitie … Constance hathe equall prayse with iustyce.
1613–6. W. Browne, Brit. Past., I. i. If what we call constance, Within a heart hath long time residence.
b. Stability.
1509. Barclay, Shyp Folys (1570), 224. In all thinges that to men appertayne Is no constance … Nor sure degree or stable permanence.
2. Persistence, perseverance; = CONSTANCY 3 b.
a. 1533. Ld. Berners, Gold. Bk. M. Aurel. (1546), C viij b. To perseuer therin, they neuer lacke constaunce.
c. 1630. Jackson, Creed, IV. vii. Wks. III. 99. Constance and confidence in prosecuting the means that lead us to it.
1659. B. Harris, Parival’s Iron Age, 231. Continued the war … with so great constance, prosperity, and glory.
