Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.