Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-SIST', v.t. [Fr. insister; L. insisto; in and sisto, to stand.]

1. Literally, to stand or rest on. [Rarely used.] Ray.
2. In geometry, an angle is said to insist upon the arc of the circle intercepted between the two lines which contain the angle.
3. To dwell on in discourse; as, to insist on a particular topic. To insist on, to press or urge for any thing with immovable firmness; to persist in demands; as, to insist on oppressive terms in a treaty; to insist on immediate payment of a debt.