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refrained |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Refrain \Re*frain"\ (r?*fr?n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Refrained} (-fr?nd"); p. pr & vb/ n. {Refraining}.] [OE. refreinen OF refrener F. refr?ner, fr L. refrenare influenced by OF refraindre to restrain, moderate, fr LL refrangere for L. refringere to break up break (see {Refract}). L. refrenare is fr pref. re- back + frenum bridle; cf Skr. dh? to hold.] 1. To hold back to restrain; to keep within prescribed bounds; to curb; to govern. His reson refraineth not his foul delight or talent. --Chaucer. Refrain thy foot from their path. --Prov. i. 15. 2. To abstain from [Obs.] Who requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink. --Sir T. Browne.
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