Main Entry:

¹re·frain

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈfrān\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

Date:

14th century

transitive verbarchaic : curb, restrainintransitive verb: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse <refrained from having dessert>

— re·frain·ment \-mənt\ noun