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One of the descendants of Jonadab, the son of Rechab, all of whom by his injunction abstained from the use of intoxicating drinks and even from planting the vine. Jer. xxxv. 2-19. Also, in modern times, a member of a certain society of abstainers from alcoholic liquors.

become pure; to be cleared of feculent matter. So the pure, limpid stream, when foul with stains, Works itself clear, and, as it runs, refines. Addison.

To abstain from [Obs.] Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink. Sir T. Browne.

ulting from connection with, or reference to, something else; not absolute. Every thing sustains both an absolute and a relative capacity: an absolute, as it is such a thing, endued with such a nature; and a relative, as it is a part of the universe, and so stands in such a relations to the whole. South.…

alate; hence, enjoyable quality; power of pleasing. Much pleasure we have lost while we abstained From this delightful fruit, nor known till now True relish, tasting. Milton. When liberty is gone, Life grows insipid, and has lost its relish. Addison.

A facing of wood, stone, or any other material, to sustain an embankment when it receives a slope steeper than the natural slope; also, a retaining wall. [Written also revêtement (

A foundation or sustaining wall of stones thrown together without order, as in deep water or on a soft bottom.

arate by friction; to erase; to obliterate; as, to rub out a mark or letter; to rub out a stain. -- To rub up. (a) To burnish; to polish; to clean. (b) To excite; to awaken; to rouse to action; as, to rub up the memory.

Disordered. [Obs.] His ruffin rainment all was stained with blood. Spenser.

Discolored; stained; not cleanly kept; filthy. The rustly little schooners that bring fire wood from the Brititsh provinces. Hawthorne.

(Old Chem.), acid potassium oxalate, or potassium quadroxalate, used as a solvent for ink stains; -- so called because found in the sorrel, or Oxalis. Also sometimes inaccurately called salt of lemon. -- Salt of tartar (Old Chem.), potassium carbonate; -- so called because formerly made by heating cream of tartar, or…

To stain with blood; to impart the color of blood to; to ensanguine.

f; to carry away or remove, as by a current of water; -- often with off or away. [I will] stain my favors in a bloody mask, Which, washed away, shall scour my shame with it. Shak.

exposure to, danger; to guard; to protect. I spread a cloud before the victor's sight, Sustained the vanquished, and secured his flight. Dryden.

f being self-confident; self-reliance. A feeling of self-confidence which supported and sustained him. Beaconsfield.

appetite; luxurious; voluptuous; lewd; libidinous. No small part of virtue consists in abstaining from that wherein sensual men place their felicity. Atterbury.

Fig.: That which supports or sustains; support. In thy shoulder do I build my seat. Shak.

Offensive or unpleasing to the eye; unsightly; as, sightless stains. [R.] Shak. -- Sight"less*ly, adv.- Sight"less*ness, n.

A tubular part made to cover, sustain, or steady another part, or to form a connection between two parts.

A contrivance for sustaining anything by suspension; as: