Abstinence \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)