inveteracy

In*vet"er*a*cy, n. Etym: [From Inveterate.] 1. Firm establishment by long continuance; firmness or deep-rooted obstinacy of any quality or state acquired by time; as, the inveteracy of custom, habit, or disease; -- usually in a bad sense; as, the inveteracy of prejudice or of error. An inveteracy of evil habits that will prompt him to contract more. A. Tucker. 2. Malignity; spitefulness; virulency. The rancor of pamphlets, the inveteracy of epigrams, an the mortification of lampoons. Guardian.

---