ABSTA'IN, L. abstineo, to keep from abs and teneo, to hold. See Tenant.

In a general sense, to forbear, or refrain from, voluntarily but used chiefly to denote a restraint upon the passions or appetites to refrain from indulgence.

Abstain from meats offered to idols. Acts 15

To abstain from the use of ardent spirits to abstain from luxuries.