[re.frain] vb [ME refreynen, fr. MF refreiner, refrener, fr. L refrenare, fr. re- + frenum bridle--more at frenum] vt (14c) archaic: curb, restrain ~ vi: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and esp. from following a passing impulse -- re.frain.ment n
[2]refrain n [ME refreyn, fr. MF refrain, fr. refraindre, refreindre to resound, fr. L refringere to break up] (14c): a regularly recurring phrase or verse esp. at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song: chorus; also: the musical setting of a refrain