abstemiousnessn.
/əbˈstiːmɪəsnəs/, U.S. /æbˈstimiəsnəs/, /əbˈstimiəsnəs/ The quality or fact of being abstemious, esp. in eating and drinking.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > appetite > moderation in eating or drinking > [noun]
temperance1542
abstemiousness1604
1604 Abp. G. Abbot Reasons Dr. Hill Vnmasked vi. 274 Least the sanctity & abstemiousnes of the holy man should be discovered, God so provided that Alexander could finde nothing but wine.
a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1954) VII. 145 If God requir'd such a forbearing, such an abstemiousness in Man, as that being set to rule and govern the creatures, he might not use and enjoy them.
1747 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 27 Mar. (1932) (modernized text) III. 892 I would not, at twenty years, be a preaching missionary of abstemiousness and sobriety.
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1778 II. 254 A man (said he [sc. Johnson]) may choose whether he will have abstemiousness and knowledge, or claret and ignorance.
1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. ii. 30 Four years, or so, of abstemiousness, enable them to stand an election dinner.
1855 C. H. Hempel tr. W. M. Gollman Homeopathic Guide ii. 221 With many persons, abstemiousness is no virtue, because they are not tempted by enjoyment.
1926 World's Work Sept. 558/2 Abstemiousness is an achievement of civilization.
1962 F. O'Connor Let. 9 June in Habit of Being (1980) 478 That candy..is fast disappearing. The bourbon, because of our abstemiousness, will last longer.
2004 Times Lit. Suppl. 3 Sept. 11/1 Willie breaks his sexual abstemiousness by having sex with Perdita, whom he first desired thirty years ago.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2011; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1604