Webster's English Dictionary

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abstinence

ab.sti.nence \'ab-st*-n*n(t)s\ \-n*nt\ n [ME, fr. OF, fr. L abstinentia, 
   fr. abstinent-, abstinens, pr]p. of abstine-re 1: voluntary forbearance 
   esp. from indulgence of appetite or from eating some foods : ABSTENTION 2: 
   habitual abstaining from intoxication beverages  - ab.sti.nent aj