refrain
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- Audio (US)help, file
- Rhymes: -eɪn
[edit] Etymology 1
From Old English refreinen, Old French refrener, French refrener, from Latin refrenare; influenced by Old French refraindre (“‘to restrain, moderate’”), from Late Latin refrangere, for Latin refringere (“‘to break up, break’”) (see refract). Latin refrenare is from prefix re- (“‘back’”) + frenum (“‘bridle’”).
[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to refrain (third-person singular simple present refrains, present participle refraining, simple past and past participle refrained)
- (transitive) To hold back; to restrain; to keep within prescribed bounds; to curb; to govern.
- Chaucer
- His reson refraineth not his foul delight or talent.
- Proverbs i:15.
- Refrain thy foot from their path.
- Chaucer
- (transitive) To abstain from
- Thomas Browne
- Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink.
- Thomas Browne
- (intransitive) To keep one's self from action or interference; to hold aloof; to forbear; to abstain.
- Acts 5:38
- Refrain from these men, and let them alone.
- Thomas Browne
- They refrained therefrom [eating flesh] some time after.
- Acts 5:38
[edit] Translations
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[edit] Etymology 2
From French refrain, from Old French refraindre (“‘to break off, repeat’”) < Latin re- (“‘back, again’”) + frangō (“‘break’”); compare Pr. refranhs (“‘a refrain’”), refranher (“‘to repeat’”). See refract and the verb to refrain.
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
refrain (plural refrains)
- 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.
[edit] Translations
[edit] References
- refrain in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
[edit] French
[edit] Noun
refrain m. (plural refrains)
- refrain, chorus
[edit] Anagrams
- Anagrams of aefinrr
- fariner
[edit] Italian
[edit] Etymology
[edit] Noun
refrain m. inv.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Anagrams
- Anagrams of aefinrr
- rifarne