[ab.sti.nence] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L abstinentia, fr. abstinent-, abstinens, prp. of abstinere] (14c) 1: voluntary forbearance esp. from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods: abstention
2: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages -- ab.sti.nent adj -- ab.sti.nent.ly adv