Sekirov Dictionary

refrain

/ɹɪˈfɹeɪn/

verb 5
noun 2
forms 5

verb5

•
To stop oneself from some action or interference; to abstain; to eschew
- July 5, 1731, Jonathan Swift, letter to Vanessa If you knew how I struggle for a little health, what uneasiness I am at in riding and walking, and refraining from every thing agreeable to my taste
•
(rare) To abstain from (food or drink).
- Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink. — 1650
•
(no longer used) To hold back, to restrain (someone or something).
- Refrain thy foot from their path. — 1611
•
[with oneself] (no longer used) To show restraint; to hold oneself back.
- And nowe I saye unto you: refrayne youreselves from these men, and let them alone [...]. — 1526
(no longer used) To repress (a desire, emotion etc.); to check or curb.

noun2

The chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza.
A much repeated comment, complaint, or saying.

forms

refrained · refraining · refraineth · refrains · refrainest

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