Ab*stain", v. t. To hinder; to
withhold.
Whether he abstain men from marrying.
Milton.
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.