{ , n. [ F. continence, L. continentia. See Continent, and cf. Countenance. ] 1. Self-restraint; self-command. [ 1913 Webster ]

He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, -- a continence which is practiced by few writers. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

If they [ the unmarried and widows ] have not continency, let them marry. 1 Cor. vii. 9 (Rev. Ver. ). [ 1913 Webster ]

Chastity is either abstinence or continence: abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence, that of married persons. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Uninterrupted course; continuity. [ Obs. ] Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. [ L. incontinentia: cf. F. incontinence. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Incapacity to hold; hence, incapacity to hold back or restrain; the quality or state of being incontinent; lack of continence; failure to restrain the passions or appetites; indulgence of lust; lewdness. [ 1913 Webster ]

That Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 1 Cor. vii. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]

From the rash hand of bold incontinence. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Med.) The inability of any of the animal organs to restrain the natural evacuations, especially urination, or defecation, so that the discharges are involuntary; as, incontinence of urine. [ 1913 Webster ]