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KJV Dictionary Definition: abstinence

abstinence

AB'STINENCE, n. L. abstinentia. See Abstain.

1. In general, the act or practice of voluntarily refraining from, or forbearing any action. "Abstinence from every thing which can be deemed labor.

More appropriately,

2. The refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal propensities. It denotes a total forbearance, as in fasting, or a forbearance of the usual quantity. In the latter sense, it may coincide with temperance, but in general, it denotes a more sparing use of enjoyments than temperance. Besides, abstinence implies previous free indulgence; temperance does not.

abstinent

AB'STINENT, a. Refraining from indulgence, especially in the use of food and drink.

abstinently

AB'STINENTLY, adv. With abstinence.

abstinents

AB'STINENTS, a sect which appeared in France and Spain in the third century, who opposed marriage, condemned the use of flesh meat, and placed the Holy Spirit in the class of created beings.