To be; to have existence; applicable to matter or spirit.

To continue; to retain the present state. Firm we subsist, but possible to swerve.

To live; to be maintained with food and clothing. How many of the human race subsist on the labors of others! How many armies have subsisted on plunder!

To inhere; to have existence by means of something else; as qualities that subsist in substances.

To feed; to maintain; to support with provisions. The king subsisted his troops on provisions plundered from the enemy.