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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Abstain


ABSTA'IN, verb intransitive [Latin abstineo, to keep from; abs and teneo, to hold. See Tenant.]

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 15:29.

To abstain from the use of ardent spirits; to abstain from luxuries.