Con"ti*nence (?), Con"ti*nen*cy (?), n. [F. continence, L. continentia. See Continent, and cf. Countenance.]

1.

Self-restraint; self-command.

He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, -- a continence which is practiced by few writers. Dryden.

2.

The restraint which a person imposes upon his desires and passions; the act or power of refraining from indulgence of the sexual appetite, esp. from unlawful indulgence; sometimes, moderation in sexual indulgence.

If they [the unmarried and widows] have not continency, let them marry. 1 Cor. vii. 9 (Rev. Ver. ).

Chastity is either abstinence or continence: abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence, that of married persons. Jer. Taylor.

3.

Uninterrupted course; continuity.

[Obs.]

Ayliffe.

 

© Webster 1913.