1 definition found From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]: Abstain \Ab*stain"\, verb (used without an object) [imp. & p. p. {Abstained}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Abstaining}.] [OE. absteynen, abstenen, OF. astenir, abstenir, F. abstenir, fr. L. abstinere, abstentum, verb (used with an object) & verb (used without an object), 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? --Shak. Syn: To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.

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