In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
ABSTINENCE
abstinence
(noun) act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite
abstinence, abstention
(noun) the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
abstinence (countable and uncountable, plural abstinences)
The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
(ecclesiastical) Abstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
(obsolete) Self-denial; abstaining; or forebearance of anything. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
(business) Delay of spending to accrue capital.
Source: Wiktionary
Ab"sti*nence, n. Etym: [F. abstinence, L. abstinentia, fr. abstinere. See Abstain.]
1. The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages,
– called also total abstinence. The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one. Locke.
2. The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat. Penance, fasts, and abstinence, To punish bodies for the soul's offense. Dryden.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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