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.