Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Inveteracy \In*vet"er*a*cy\, n. [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.