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Definition abstain

Etymology

First attested around 1380. From Middle English absteynen, absteinen, abstenen, from Old French astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstine? (“to hold oneself back”) from abs- (“from”) + tene? (“I hold”). See also tenable.

Verb

abstain (third-person singular simple present abstains, present participle abstaining, simple past and past participle abstained)

1. (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself. [Attested from around 1350 to 1470 until the mid 16 century.]
2. (intransitive) Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
3. (intransitive, obsolete) Fast (not eat for a period). [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
4. (intransitive) Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
5. (transitive, obsolete) Hinder; keep back; withhold. [Attested from the early 16 century until the mid 17 century.]

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