Re·frain v. t. [imp. & p. p. Refrained p. pr. & vb. n. Refraining.]
1. To hold back; to restrain; to keep within prescribed bounds; to curb; to govern.
His reason 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.