Abstinence (&unr_;), n. [F. abstinence, L. abstinentia, fr. abstinere. See Abstain.] 1. The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, -- called also total abstinence.
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The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one. Locke.
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2. The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.
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Penance, fasts, and abstinence,
To punish bodies for the soul's offense. Dryden.
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