from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Desert \De*sert"\ (d[-e]*z[~e]rt"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Deserted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Deserting}.] [Cf. L. desertus,
p. p. of deserere to desert, F. d['e]serter. See 2d
{Desert}.]
1. To leave (especially something which one should stay by
and support); to leave in the lurch; to abandon; to
forsake; -- implying blame, except sometimes when used of
localities; as, to desert a friend, a principle, a cause,
one's country. "The deserted fortress." --Prescott.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mil.) To abandon (the service) without leave; to forsake
in violation of duty; to abscond from; as, to desert the
army; to desert one's colors.
[1913 Webster]