GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
    Continence (?), Continency (?) , n. [F. continence, L. continentia. See Continent, and cf. Countenance.]
   1. Self-restraint; self-command.
   
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   He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, -- a continence which is practiced by few writers. Dryden.
   
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   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.
   
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   If they [the unmarried and widows] have not continency, let them marry. 1 Cor. vii. 9 (Rev. Ver. ).
   
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   Chastity is either abstinence or continence: abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence, that of married persons. Jer. Taylor.
   
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   3. Uninterrupted course; continuity. [Obs.]  Ayliffe.
   
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