1. [adjective] Sparing in diet; refraining from a free use of food and strong drinks; temperate; abstinent; sparing in the indulgence of the appetite or passions. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
2. [adjective] Sparingly used; used with temperance or moderation. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
3. [adjective] Marked by, or spent in, abstinence; as, an abstemious life.
4. [adjective] (rare) Promotive of abstemiousness.
5. [adjective] Sparing in consumption of especially food and drink; 'the pleasures of the table, never of much consequence to one naturally abstemious'- John Galsworthy.
6. [adjective] Marked by temperance in indulgence; 'abstemious with the use of adverbs'; 'a light eater'; 'a light smoker'; 'ate a light supper'.
