ABSTERSIVENESS
Ab*ster"sive*ness, n.
Defn: The quality of being abstersive. Fuller.
ABSTINENCE
Ab"sti*nence, n. Etym: [F. abstinence, L. abstinentia, fr. abstinere.
See Abstain.]
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. The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one. Locke.
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.
ABSTINENCY
Ab"sti*nen*cy, n.
Defn: Abstinence. [R.]
ABSTINENT Ab"sti*nent, a. Etym: [F. abstinent, L. abstinens, p. pr. of abstinere. See Abstain.]
Defn: Refraining from indulgence, especially from the indulgence of appetite; abstemious; continent; temperate. Beau. & Fl.
ABSTINENT
Ab"sti*nent, n.