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.