01 n. The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from c…
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1.
The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, -- called also total abstinence. Also: total abstinence“The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one.” — Locke.
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2.
The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.“Penance, fasts, and abstinence, To punish bodies for the soul's offense.” — Dryden.