Category:Abstain

Ab*stain", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Abstained; p. pr. & vb. n. Abstaining.] Etym: [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.]

Defn: 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 Shak.

Syn.

-- To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.

ABSTAIN Ab*stain", v. t.

Defn: To hinder; to withhold. Whether he abstain men from marrying. Milton.