continence
noun/ˈkɒntɪnəns/
Etymology Dated from the 14th century as Middle English contynence, from Old French continence, from Latin continentia (“a repression”). See also countenance.
1
Medicine, Sciences, Urology Usually The voluntary control of urination and defecation.
- To maintain continence, the puborectalis muscle chokes the anal canal. The sling of tissue is supposed to release during defecation. Mine has not been doing that.2022 October 2, Cara Schacter, “My Year of Stress and Constipation”, in The New York Times:
2
Usually Moderation or self-restraint, especially in sexual activity; abstinence.
- For quotations using this term, see Citations:continence.
- He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, — a continence which is practised by few writers.1700, [John] Dryden, “Preface”, in Fables Ancient and Modern; […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:
2 more examples
- Chastity is either abstinence or continence: abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence of married persons.1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living. […], 2nd edition, London: […] Francis Ashe […], →OCLC:
- For this was a line so little frequented, especially at this hour, when the driver, the stoker, the guard and the station staffs all along the line, were anhelating towards their wives, after the long hours of continence, that the train would hardly draw up, when it would be off again, like a bouncing ball.1953, Samuel Beckett, Watt, [Paris]: Olympia Press, →OCLC:
3
Usually Uninterrupted course; continuity.
- the Continence of the Cause should be divided1726, John Ayliffe, Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani: Or, A Commentary, by Way of Supplement to the Canons and Constitutions of the Church of England. […], London: […] D. Leach, and sold by John Walthoe […], →OCLC:
- Synonyms
- asceticism, temperance
- Antonyms
- incontinence, akrasia, acrasy, intemperance
- Related terms
- countenance