Ab"sti*nence (&?;), n.
[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.
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