\In*hab"it*ance\, Inhabitancy \In*hab"it*an*cy\, n.
1. The act of inhabiting, or the state of being inhabited;
   the condition of an inhabitant; residence; occupancy.

         Ruins yet resting in the wild moors testify a former
         inhabitance.                          --Carew.

2. (Law) The state of having legal right to claim the
   privileges of a recognized inhabitant; especially, the
   right to support in case of poverty, acquired by residence
   in a town; habitancy.