continent

adj

Etymology: From Middle English contynent, from Old French continent, from Latin continentem (“continuous; holding together”), present participle of continēre (“to contain”).

1. Exercising self-restraint; controlled, temperate with respect to one’s bodily needs or passions, especially sex.

   “Have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower.”

   “Their strength was the strength of men geographically beyond temptation: the poverty of Arabia made them simple, continent, enduring.”

2. Having voluntary control over one’s urination or defecation.
3. Not interrupted; connected; continuous, whether in time or space.

   “a continent fever”

   “Affrike and Europe bordering on your land, And continent to your Dominions: […]”

4. Serving to restrain or limit; restraining; opposing.

   “There did I ſee that low ſpirited Swaine, [...] hight Coſtard, (Clow[ne]. O mee) ſorted and conſorted contrary to thy eſtabliſhed proclaymed Edict and continent Cannon; Which with, o with, but with this I paſſion to ſay wherewith: / Clo[wne]. With a Wench.”

   “Have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower.”

5. Containing or capable of containing.

name

1. The Old World.

   “the whole Continent of Europe, Asia, Africa.”

2. Mainland Europe, as seen from the British Isles.

noun

1. An Encratite.