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.