Ab″sti‐nence (�), 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.
The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one.
Locke.
2. The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.
Penance, fasts, and abstinence,
To punish bodies for the soul's offense.
Dryden.