Webster's English Dictionary

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refrain

1. re.frain \ri-'fra-n\ \-m*nt\ vb [ME refreynen, fr. MF refraindre to 
   restrain, fr. L refringereX to break up, destroy, check - more at REFRACT 
   archaic  : CURB, RESTRAIN  : to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or 
   indulging in something : A BSTAINm doing or indulging in something. REFRAIN 
   commonly suggests the checking of a passing impulse; ABSTAIN implies 
   deliberate renunciation or self-denial; FORBEAR suggests self-restraint 
   motivated by compassion, charity, or stoicism - re.frain.ment n SYN syn 
   REFRAIN, ABSTAIN, FORBEAR mean to keep oneself fro 
2. refrain n [ME refreyn, fr. MF refrain, fr. refraindre to resound, fr. L] 
   refringere to break up, refract : a regularly recurring phrase or verse 
   esp. at the end of each stanza or  division of a poem or song : CHORUS; 
   also : the musical setting of a refrain