refrain

Definition

To hold back, to restrain (someone or something).

Etymology

From Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-Norman refrener, Old French refrener (from Latin refrenare), and influenced by Old French refraindre (from Latin refringere).

Example Sentences

• "Refrain thy foot from their path."
• "The presence even for a moment among a party of debauchees of a woman endued with every quality of modesty and not less severe than beautiful refrained the humorous sallies even of the most licentious but her departure was the signal for an outbreak of ribaldry."
• "And nowe I saye unto you: refrayne youreselves from these men, and let them alone [...]."