CONTINENCE

continence, continency

(noun) the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters

continence

(noun) voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

continence (usually uncountable, plural continences)

(urology) The voluntary control of urination and defecation.

Moderation or self-restraint, especially in sexual activity; abstinence.

Uninterrupted course; continuity.

Synonyms

• (moderation or self-restraint): asceticism, temperance

• (uninterrupted course): See also continuity

Antonyms

• (all): incontinence

• (moderation or self-restraint): acrasia, acrasy, intemperance

• (uninterrupted course): See also discontinuity

Source: Wiktionary

---

Con"ti*nence, Con"ti*nen*cy, n. Etym: [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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---