Continence /(?)/

Con·ti·nence

Continence

n.
  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.
  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.
  3. Uninterrupted course; continuity. [Obs.]