EXIST'ENCE, noun The state of being or having essence; as the existence of body and of soul in union; the separate existence of the soul; immortal existence; temporal existence 1. Life; animation. 2. Continued being; duration; continuation. We speak of the existence of troubles or calamities, or of happiness. During the existence of national calamities, our pious ancestors always had recourse to prayer for divine aid.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI