I. ri-ˈfrān verb
Etymology: Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
archaic : curb , restrain
intransitive verb
: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse
refrain ed from having dessert
• re·frain·ment -mənt noun
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin * refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract
Date: 14th century
: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus ; also : the musical setting of a refrain