ABSTA'IN, verb intransitive [Latin 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 15:29.
To abstain from the use of ardent spirits; to abstain from luxuries.