Sub‐sist″ (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Subsisted; p. pr. & vb. n.Subsisting.] [L. subsistere to stand still, stay, remain alive; sub under + sistere to stand, to cause to stand, from stare to stand: cf. F. subsister. See Stand.] 1. To be; to have existence; to inhere.
And makes what happiness we justly call,
Subsist not in the good of one, but all. Pope.
2. To continue; to retain a certain state.
Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve. Milton.
3. To be maintained with food and clothing; to be supported; to live. Milton.
To subsist on other men's charity. Atterbury.