inhabitance

In*hab"it*ance, In*hab"it*an*cy, n. 1. The act of inhabiting, or the state of being inhabited; the condition of an inhabitant; residence; occupancy. Ruins yet resting in the wild moors testify a former inhabitance. Carew. 2. (Law) Defn: The state of having legal right to claim the privileges of a recognized inhabitant; especially, the right to support in case of poverty, acquired by residence in a town; habitancy.

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