Definition of "reliance"
reliance
noun
countable and uncountable, plural reliances
The act of relying (on or in someone or something); trust.
Quotations
[…] his days and times are pastAnd my reliances on his fracted [i.e. broken] datesHave smit my credit:
c. 1605–1608, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Tymon of Athens”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act II, scene i]
It was out of his power to support his son at either university; but a wealthy neighbor offered assistance; and, in reliance on promises which proved to be of very little value, Samuel was entered at Pembroke College, Oxford.
1867, Thomas Babington Macaulay, “Samuel Johnson”, in Biographical and Historical Sketches, New York: Appleton, page 54
(dated) Anything on which to rely; ground of trust.
Quotations
Mr. Adams may marry as well as Mr. Williams; and both, I believe, will find God’s Providence a better Reliance, than the richest Benefice in England.
1741, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter XXXII”, in Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded. […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: […] C[harles] Rivington, […]; and J. Osborn, […], page 286