- OE. absteynenabstenen, OF. astenirabstenir, F. abstenir, fr. L. abstinereabstentum, v. t. & v. i., to keep from; ababs + 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.
