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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Abstain \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.
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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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