n. [ Etymol. uncertain. ] A kind of coloring matter obtained from lichens. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An ancient Persian religion, esp. as represented by the Magi; a form of Zoroastrianism. [ 1913 Webster + PJC ]

This system we shall call 'Persism', in order to free ourselves of the popular associations still connected with such terms as magism, Parseeism, and so forth; meaning by 'Persism' the teaching of Zarathustra as it affected the Greek and Latin world. E. Vernon Arnold. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. A Persian idiom. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Persisted; p. pr. & vb. n. Persisting. ] [ L. persistere; per + sistere to stand or be fixed, fr. stare to stand: cf. F. persister. See Per-, and Stand. ] To stand firm; to be fixed and unmoved; to stay; to continue steadfastly; especially, to continue fixed in a course of conduct against opposing motives; to persevere; -- sometimes conveying an unfavorable notion, as of doggedness or obstinacy. [ 1913 Webster ]

If they persist in pointing their batteries against particular persons, no laws of war forbid the making reprisals. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some positive, persisting fops we know,
Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

That face persists.
It floats up; it turns over in my mind. Mrs. Browning. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- See Persevere, and Insist. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. [ See Persistent. ] 1. The quality or state of being persistent; staying or continuing quality; hence, in an unfavorable sense, doggedness; obstinacy. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The continuance of an effect after the cause which first gave rise to it is removed; as: (a) (Physics) The persistence of motion. (b) (Physiol.) Visual persistence, or persistence of the visual impression; auditory persistence, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. persistens, -entis, p. pr. of persistere. See Persist. ] 1. Inclined to persist; having staying qualities; tenacious of position or purpose. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Biol.) Remaining beyond the period when parts of the same kind sometimes fall off or are absorbed; permanent; as, persistent teeth or gills; a persistent calyx; -- opposed to deciduous, and caducous. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a persistent manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Inclined to persist; tenacious of purpose; persistent. -- Per*sist"ing*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

a. See Persistent. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]