Sub*sist" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Subsisted; p. pr. & vb. n. Subsisting.] [L. subsistere to stand still, stay, remain alive; sub under + sistere to stand, to cause to stand, from stare to stand: cf. F. subsister. See Stand.]

1.

To be; to have existence; to inhere.

And makes what happiness we justly call, Subsist not in the good of one, but all. Pope.

2.

To continue; to retain a certain state.

Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve. Milton.

3.

To be maintained with food and clothing; to be supported; to live.

Milton.

To subsist on other men's charity. Atterbury.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sub*sist", v. t.

To support with provisions; to feed; to maintain; as, to subsist one's family.

He laid waste the adjacent country in order to render it more difficult for the enemy to subsist their army. Robertson.

 

© Webster 1913.