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Webster 1913 Edition
Abstain
Ab-stain′
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Abstained
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Abstaining
.] [OE.
absteynen
, abstenen
, OF. astenir
, abstenir
, F. abstenir
, fr. L. abstinere
, abstentum
, v. t. & v. i., to keep from; ab
, abs
+ tenere
to hold. See Tenable
.] To hold one’s self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; – with from.
Not a few
abstained
from voting. Macaulay.
Who
abstains
from meat that is not gaunt? Shakespeare
Syn. – To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.
Ab-stain′
,Verb.
T.
To hinder; to withhold.
Whether he
abstain
men from marrying. Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Abstain
ABSTA'IN
,Verb.
I.
In a general sense, to forbear, or refrain from, voluntarily; but used chiefly to denote a restraint upon the passions or appetites; to refrain from indulgence.
Abstain from meats offered to idols. Acts, xv.
To abstain from the use of ardent spirits; to abstain from luxuries.