Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Desert \De*sert"\, 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.

   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.