Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

         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.