'abstinency' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abstinentia,' where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

'abstinentia' transformed into the Old French word 'abstinence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abstinency' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hold oneself away from indulgence,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.