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.
Not a few abstained from voting.
Macaulay.
Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt?
Shak.
Syn. — To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.