from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Desist \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. d['e]sister. See
{Stand}.]
To cease to proceed or act; to stop; to forbear; -- often
with from.
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Never desisting to do evil. --E. Hall.
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To desist from his bad practice. --Massinger.
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Desist (thou art discern'd,
And toil'st in vain). --Milton.
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