2. To abstain from [Obs.] Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink. Sir T. Browne.
REFRAIN
Re*frain", v. i.
Defn: To keep one's self from action or interference; to hold aloof;
to forbear; to abstain.
Refrain from these men, and let them alone. Acts v. 38.
They refrained therefrom [eating flesh] some time after. Sir T.
Browne.
Syn.
— To hold back; forbear; abstain; withhold.
REFRAIN Re*frain", n. Etym: [F. refrain, fr. OF. refraindre; cf. Pr. refranhs a refrain, refranher to repeat. See Refract,Refrain, v.]
Defn: The burden of a song; a phrase or verse which recurs at the end of each of the separate stanzas or divisions of a poetic composition. We hear the wild refrain. Whittier.
REFRAINER
Re*frain"er (r*frn"r), n.
Defn: One who refrains.
REFRAINMENT
Re*frain"ment (-ment), n.
Defn: Act of refraining. [R.]