abstinence

Etymology

From Middle English abstinence, from Old French abstinence, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēns, present participle of abstineō (“I withhold”). Equivalent to abstain + -ence.

noun

1. The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite.
   1. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism).
   2. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage.
   3. (ecclesiastical) Abstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance.
      "The church teaching before Vatican II was that it was 'gravely sinful' to take 2 ounces of meat on a day of abstinence such as Friday," said the Rev. Joseph S. Rossi, a Jesuit professor of church history at Loyola College. September 18, 1995, Rafael Alvarez, “Catholics asked to avoid eating meat on Fridays Cardinal suggests abstinence in weeks leading up to Pope's visit”, in Baltimore Sun
2. The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything.
3. (obsolete) Self-denial; abstaining; or forebearance of anything.
4. (business) Delay of spending to accrue capital.