SuaviloquyToday’s word

abstemiousness

Abstemiousness, n.

The quality of being abstemious, temperate, or sparing in the use of food and strong drinks. It expresses a greater degree of abstinence than temperance.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for abstemiousness; he lists it under abstinence.

Where he writes about it:

Abstinence from food commonly signifies going without; abstemiousness, partaking moderately; abstinence may be for a single occasion, abstemiousness is habitual moderation. — from abstinence