| Definitions | | refrain |
|
noun
- 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. As enjoined by a chorus.
- We hear the wild refrain. Whittier.
Translations: - French:
- French, refrain
- Dutch: refrein
(trans-mid)
- German: Refrain
verb - (transitive) To hold back; to restrain; to keep within prescribed bounds; to curb; to govern.
- His reson refraineth not his foul delight or talent. w:Geoffrey_Chaucer, Chaucer
- Refrain thy foot from their path. - Proverbs i:15.
- (transitive) To abstain from
- Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink. - w:Thomas Browne, Thomas Browne
- (intransitive) To keep one's self from action or interference; to hold aloof; to forbear; to abstain.
- Refrain from these men, and let them alone. - Acts 5:38.
- They refrained therefrom eating flesh some time after. - w:Thomas Browne, Thomas Browne.
Translations:
Supplemental Details:Sponsor an extended definition for refrain for as little as $10 per month. Click here to contact us.
| |
|
