continence

[ kon-tn-uhns ]

/ ˈkɒn tn əns /

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noun

self-restraint or abstinence, especially in regard to sexual activity; temperance; moderation.

Physiology. the ability to voluntarily control urinary and fecal discharge.

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Also con·ti·nen·cy .

Origin of continence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word continentia.See continent, -ence

non·con·ti·nence, nounnon·con·ti·nen·cy, nounun·con·ti·nence, noun

I remarked, what a difficulty the law of continence must impose on those who had to determine the vocation of young men.
Journal in France in 1845 and 1848 with Letters from Italy in 1847|T. W. (Thomas William) Allies
He was thoroughly persuaded that continence could not be really observed by the French clergy.
Journal in France in 1845 and 1848 with Letters from Italy in 1847|T. W. (Thomas William) Allies
In the popular view, continence, self-control, is adherence to our formed judgment.
The Worlds Greatest Books, Volume XIII.|Various
A number of well-meaning people demand from men absolute "continence" save for procreation only.
Married Love|Marie Carmichael Stopes

The lesson of history, then, is that continence is essential to the progress of the race.
The Woman Who Vowed|Ellison Harding