ABSTINENCE

AB'STINENCE, noun [Latin abstinentia. See Abstain.]1. In general, the act or practice of voluntarily refraining from, or forbearing any action. 'Abstinence from every thing which can be deemed labor.More appropriately, 2. The refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal propensities. It denotes a total forbearance, as in fasting, or a forbearance of the usual quantity. In the latter sense, it may coincide with temperance, but in general, it denotes a more sparing use of enjoyments than temperance. Besides, abstinence implies previous free indulgence; temperance does not.

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abstinence. Abstinence, n. a refraining from, temperance

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Ab″sti‐nence (�), n. [[F. abstinence, L. abstinentia, fr. abstinere. See Abstain.]] 1. 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. 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.