self-suˈfficiency
[f. next (see -ency); in sense 1 a rendering Gr. αὐτάρκεια.]
1. The quality or condition of being self-sufficient: a. in sense 1 a, formerly esp. as an attribute of God; now freq. in sense 1 b.
| 1623 R. Carpenter Conscionable Christ. 59 A good..conscience is a..principall part of Gods Image in man, whereby he doth most resemble the selfe-sufficiency of God. 1701 Norris Ideal World i. iii. 157 The excellent perfections of the Divinity, especially those of His self-sufficiency and independency. 1847 F. W. Newman Hist. Heb. Mon. 22 The land of Israel, for so very small a tract, possessed an unusual self-sufficiency for all physical well-being. 1897 J. Morley Machiavelli 26 Self-sufficiency, military strength, force, flexibility, address. 1932 World Agriculture (R. Inst. Internat. Affairs Study Group) viii. 133 A measure of self-sufficiency in food is regarded as one of the primary elements in natural defence. 1953 G. E. & K. R. Fussell Eng. Countrywoman iii. 90 The canopy of self-sufficiency that covered all the needs of the manor house. 1973 J. & S. Seymour Self-Sufficiency i. 9 What I am interested in is post-industrial self-sufficiency: that of the person who has gone through the big-city-industrial way of life..and wants to go on to something better. 1974 News & Courier (Charleston, S. Carolina) 7 Apr. a12/2 They argue that the 1985 target date for self-sufficiency is unrealistic, and that..some oil and gas still must be imported. 1980 ‘M. Innes’ Going it Alone iv. 31 She had persuaded herself..that self-sufficiency must now be the prime concern of the small rural gentry. |
b. in sense 2.
| 1693 Dryden Disc. Satire Ess. (ed. Ker) II. 18 An author of your own quality..has given you all the commendation which his self-sufficiency could afford to any man. a 1704 T. Brown Praise of Poverty Wks. 1730 I. 89 Such a self-sufficiency, such an overweaning conceit. 1745 J. Mason Self-Knowl. ii. v. (1853) 147 An Eagerness and Zeal for Dispute on every subject, and with every one, shews great Self-sufficiency. 1825 T. Hook Sayings Ser. ii. Doubts & F. vii. II. 211 Astonished even with all his self-sufficiency at the triumphant success of his enterprise. 1885 Manch. Exam. 21 Jan. 5/2 We threw him off, and acted..with arrogant inconsiderateness and self-sufficiency. |
† 2. A sufficiency for oneself. Obs. rare.
| 1650 Fuller Pisgah i. iv. 10 Commodities..whereof that Countrey had not only a self-sufficiency, but also sent plenty thereof to Tyre. |