Ab*stain" (#), v. 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?
Shak.
Syn. -- To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.
© Webster 1913.
Ab*stain", v. t.
To hinder; to withhold.
Whether he abstain men from marrying.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.