Teetotalism is the practice or promotion of complete personal
abstinence from
alcoholic beverages. A person who practices (and possibly advocates) teetotalism is called a teetotaler (also spelled teetotaller; plural teetotalers or teetotallers) or is simply said to be teetotal. The teetotalism movement was first started in
Preston, England, in the early 19th century. The Preston Temperance Society was founded in 1833 by
Joseph Livesey, who was to become a leader of the
temperance movement and the author of
The Pledge: "We agree to abstain from all liquors of an
intoxicating quality whether
ale,
porter,
wine or ardent spirits, except as
medicine."