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refrain1 definition

re·frain (ri frān′)

intransitive verb

to hold back; keep oneself (from doing something); forbear

Etymology: ME refreinen < OFr refrener < L refrenare < re-, back + frenare, to curb < frenum, rein

transitive verb

Archaic to hold back; curb
refrain2 definition

re·frain (ri frān′)

noun

  1. a phrase, verse, or verses repeated at intervals in a song or poem, as after each stanza
  2. music for this

Etymology: ME refreine < MFr refrain < OFr refraindre, to break, repress, modulate < VL *refrangere, for L refringere, to break off: see refract

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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