Abstain (&unr_;), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Abstained (&unr_;); 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.
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Not a few abstained from voting. Macaulay.
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Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? Shak.
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Syn. -- To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.
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