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.

• 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.
       Quotations
       *The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one. - John Locke
  
• The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self (especially in moderation) of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.
       Quotations
       *Penance, fasts, and abstinence, To punish bodies for the soul's offense. - John Dryden