Abstain, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Abstained; p. pr. & vb. n. Abstaining.]
Etymology: [OE. absteynen, abstenen, OF. astenir, abstenir, F. abstenir, fr. L. abstinere, abstentum, v. t. & v. i., to keep from; ab, abs + tenere to hold. See Tenable.]
To hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from. Not a few abstained from voting. Macaulay. Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt Shak.
Syn. -- To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Abstain, v. t.
To hinder; to withhold. Whether he abstain men from marrying. Milton.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for abstain; he lists it under cease.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.