v.intr. 1 (often foll. by at, in, abroad, etc.) (of a person) have one's home, dwell permanently. 2 (of power, a right, etc.) rest or be vested in. 3 (of an incumbent official) be in residence. 4 (foll. by in) (of a quality) be present or inherent in.
[ ME, prob. back-form. f. RESIDENT infl. by F résider or L residere (as RE-, sedere sit) ]