{ 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.

• the voluntary control of urination and defecation
  
• moderation or self-restraint, especially in sexual activity; abstinence