(ri·frān′) v.i.
To keep oneself back; abstain from action; forbear.
—v.t. To restrain; curb. [<OF refrener <L refrenare curb <re- back + frenum a bridle]
—re·frain′er noun Synonyms: abstain, forbear, restrain. See CEASE, KEEP. Antonyms: begin, continue, persevere, persist.

(ri·frān′) noun
1. A phrase or strain repeated at intervals, generally regular, in a poem or a song; the burden. It generally recurs at the end of a stanza or strophe, and is common in old ballads and in Provençal poetry.
2. Any saying that is repeated over and over. [<OF <refraindre check, repeat <L refringere break off. See REFRACT.]