\Ab"sti*nence\, n. [F. abstinence, L. abstinentia,
fr. abstinere. See {Abstain}.]
1. The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance
   of any action, especially the refraining from an
   indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications
   of animal or sensual propensities. Specifically, the
   practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, --
   called also {total abstinence}.
         The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers
         itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one.
                                               --Locke.
2. The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of
   certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.
         Penance, fasts, and abstinence, To punish bodies for
         the soul's offense.                   --Dryden.