† inˈhabitance Obs.
Also 5 erron. -tauntes, 6 en-.
[f. as inhabitant + -ance: cf. habitance.
From the confusion of inhabitants, -tans, pl. of inhabitant, with inhabitance, came the converse error of inhabitauntes for this word.]
1. An inhabiting; inhabitation; residence.
| 1588 R. Parke tr. Mendoza's Hist. China 409 From this kingdome..to Mazanbique, whereas there is inhabitance of Portingals. 1602 Carew Cornwall 57 a, The ruines yet resting in the wilde Moores, which testifie a former inhabitance. c 1630 Risdon Surv. Devon §334 (1810) 346 In this parish Cutliffe hath inheritances and inhabitance. |
2. A habitation, abode, dwelling.
| 1482 J. Warkworth Chron. (Camden) 10 Every man to rejoyse his owne lyflode and inhabytauntes. 1555 W. Watreman Fardle Facions i. i. 24 They ware banysshed that enhabitaunce of pleasure [Paradise]. 1611 Bible Wisd. xii. 7 A worthy colonie [marg. new inhabitance] of Gods children. |