Subsist \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.