-ˌäbztəˈnen(ˌ)dē, -ˌäpst-; -ˌabztəˈnen(ˌ)dē, -ˌdī noun
Etymology: Latin, power of refusing
: the right granted by the praetorian law of ancient Rome to a necessary family heir to decline the inheritance ; also : the power to exercise this right — called also beneficium abstinendi