ABSTA'IN, v.i. [L. 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.
To abstain from the use of ardent spirits; to abstain from luxuries.
