De*sist" (?; 277), v. i. [imp.
& p. p. Desisted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Desisting.] [L. desistere; de- + sistere
to stand, stop, fr. stare to stand: cf. F.
désister. See Stand.] To cease to proceed
or act; to stop; to forbear; -- often with from.
Never desisting to do evil.
E.
Hall.
To desist from his bad practice.
Massinger.
Desist (thou art discern'd,
And toil'st in vain).
Milton.