Refrain (r&euptack_;frān), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Refrained (-frānd); p. pr. & vb. n. Refraining.] [OE. refreinen, OF. refrener, F. refréner, 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&rsdot_; to hold.] 1. To hold back; to restrain; to keep within prescribed bounds; to curb; to govern.[1913 Webster]
His reason refraineth not his foul delight or talent.
Refrain thy foot from their path.
2. To abstain from. [Obs.][1913 Webster]
Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink.
Refrain, v. i. To keep one's self from action or interference; to hold aloof; to forbear; to abstain.[1913 Webster]
Refrain from these men, and let them alone.
They refrained therefrom [eating flesh] some time after.
Syn. -- To hold back; forbear; abstain; withhold.[1913 Webster]
Refrain, n. [F. refrain, fr. OF. refraindre; cf. Pr. refranhs a refrain, refranher to repeat. See Refract,Refrain, v.] The burden of a song; a phrase or verse which recurs at the end of each of the separate stanzas or divisions of a poetic composition.[1913 Webster]
We hear the wild refrain.