Origin and history of subsistence

1540s, "to exist, have reality;" c. 1600, "to remain, continue, retain the existing state," from French subsister and directly from Latin subsistere "to stand still or firm, take a stand, take position; abide, stay, remain, hold out," from sub "under, up to" (see sub-) + sistere "to assume a standing position, stand still, remain; set, place, cause to stand still" (from reduplicated form of PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm").

By 1630s in philosophy and theology, "inhere, have existence by means of something else." The meaning "support oneself" (in a certain way) is from 1640s. Also transitive, "provide sustenance or provisions for" (1680s). Related: Subsisted; subsisting.

1520s, "continuing to exist," also "inherent, residing in" (a sense now obsolete), from Latin subsistentem (nominative subsistens), present participle of subsistere "stand still or firm" (see subsistence). Related: Subsistential.