Ab-stain′, v. i.

v. i. [imp. & pp. ABSTAINED; p. pr. & vb. n. ABSTAINING.] [Norm. Fr. abstiegner, Fr. abstenir, Pr. abstener, abstentir, Sp. abstener, Lat. abstinere, to keep from, from ab, abs, and tenere, to hold.] To forbear, or refrain, voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites.

Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? Shak.

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