Etymology

abstainer

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Today it means: One who abstains; especially, one who abstains from something, such as the use of alcohol or drugs, or one who abstains for religious reasons; one who practices self-denial. Full definition →

First used First attested around 1350 to 1470.Middle English absteyner
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The story

  1. Middle English · inherited fromabsteyner
  2. English todayabstainer

From Middle English absteyner, equivalent to abstain + -er.

First known use, by meaning

  • First attested around 1350 to 1470. One who abstains; especially, one who abstains from something, such as the use of alcohol or drugs, or one who abstains for religious reasons; one who practices self-denial.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.