The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Desist \De*sist"\ (?; 277), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Desisted; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Desisting.] [L. desistere; de- + sistere to
   stand, stop, fr. stare to stand: cf. F. d['e]sister. See
   Stand.]
   To cease to proceed or act; to stop; to forbear; -- often
   with from.
   [1913 Webster]

         Never desisting to do evil.              --E. Hall.
   [1913 Webster]

         To desist from his bad practice.         --Massinger.
   [1913 Webster]

         Desist (thou art discern'd,
         And toil'st in vain).                    --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]