The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Refrain \Re*frain"\ (r[-e]*fr[=a]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Refrained (-fr[=a]nd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Refraining.] [OE.
   refreinen, OF. refrener, F. refr['e]ner, 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[.r] to hold.]
   1. To hold back; to restrain; to keep within prescribed
      bounds; to curb; to govern.
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            His reason refraineth not his foul delight or
            talent.                               --Chaucer.
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            Refrain thy foot from their path.     --Prov. i. 15.
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   2. To abstain from. [Obs.]
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            Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no
            other counsel than to refrain cold drink. --Sir T.
                                                  Browne.
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