Crossword clues for abstained
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Abstain \Ab*stain"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Abstained; p. pr. & vb. n. Abstaining.] [OE. absteynen, abstenen, OF. astenir, abstenir, F. abstenir, fr. L. abstinere, abstentum, v. t. & v. i., to keep from; ab, abs + tenere to hold. See Tenable.] To hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from.
Not a few abstained from voting.
--Macaulay.
Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt?
--Shak.
Syn: To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.
Wiktionary
vb. (en-past of: abstain)
Usage examples of "abstained".
My life in Venice would have been pleasant and happy, if I could have abstained from punting at basset.
My sweetheart did not give me a single glance while the meal was going on, and thinking she had some motives I abstained from speaking to her.
Foreseeing what would happen sooner or later, I had abstained from visiting him at his house, but we were friendly whenever we met.
However, we forgave each other, as we had abstained from the chief liberty.
These efforts had possibly been made with an eye to the approaching festival, but in other respects we abstained from any attempt at keeping Christmas.
In telling the story she abstained from praising Lucy with all the strong language which she should have used had not Lucy's name and character been at the present moment been of peculiar import to Lady Lufton.
Of the 713 hexes represented, 431 voted to stop Brazil, 184 to try some kind of deal, and 98 abstained or, in essence, voted to do nothing.
The bailie wisely abstained from any reproaches, and sought only to persuade him to make a clean breast of the business, and to tell all he knew about a plot which could but end in failure and ruin to all concerned.
Knowing that he would have no chance whatever with Ronald in a duel, he had carefully abstained from open war, showing his dislike only by sneering remarks and sarcastic comments which frequently tried Ronald's patience to the utmost, and more than once called down a sharp rebuke from Colonel Hume or one or other of the majors.
He abstained from any attempt to capture Edinburgh Castle, or even to cut off its supplies, because the general of the castle threatened that unless he were allowed to obtain provisions he would fire upon the city and lay it in ruins, and he even refused to interfere with a Scotch minister who continued from his pulpit to pray for King George.
A friendly smile spread over Sefton's face, but, with quick perception, he abstained from any movement that might seem to claim recognition.