De*sist" Desisting.] [L. desistere; de- + sistere to stand, stop, fr. stare to stand: cf. F. d'esister. 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.
© Webster 1913.