Desist, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Desisted; p. pr. & vb. n. Desisting.]
Etymology: [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.