v. Obs. Forms: 1 astynt-an, 2–4 astynt-en, 3 astunt-en (ü), 4 astent. For inflexions, see STINT. [OE. astyntan, f. A- pref. 1 + styntan to STINT.]
1. trans. To bring to a standstill, to cause to cease or stop.
c. 700. Epinal Gl. (Sweet), 488. Hebetatus astyntid.
a. 1230. Ancr. R., 72. Þeone kuðen heo neuere astunten hore cleppe.
c. 1330. Arth. & Merl., 835. So noble swerdes dent, That hem astint.
1480. Caxton, Chron. Eng., ccxii. 198. Tho were al maner plees of the kynges benche astent.
2. intr. To stop, stay.
a. 1230. Ancr. R., 80. Heo schal tunen hire muð ꝥ te swote breð … astunte wiðinnen.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 1109. Er þay come to Mantrible neuere þay ne astente.
3. intr. To cease, desist, leave off.
1250. Lay., 31891. Þo astunte þe cwaolm.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 1842. He nel neuere a-stynte.
