| 释义 |
† constance 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.
1340Ayenb. 167 Þe vifte stape of þise uirtu is ycleped constance..þet makeþ þe herte strang. c1386Chaucer Clerk's T. 612 Whan this marquys say The constance of his wyf. 1490Caxton How to die 4 The constaunce and stedefastnesse of the fayth. 1531Elyot Gov. iii. xix. heading, Of Constance or Stabilitie..Constance hathe equall prayse with iustyce. 1613–6W. Browne Brit. Past. i. i, If what we call constance, Within a heart hath long time residence.
b. Stability.
1509Barclay 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.
a1533Ld. Berners Gold. Bk. M. Aurel. (1546) C viij b, To perseuer therin, they neuer lacke constaunce. c1630Jackson Creed iv. vii. Wks. III. 99 Constance and confidence in prosecuting the means that lead us to it. 1659B. Harris Parival's Iron Age 231 Continued the war..with so great constance, prosperity, and glory. |