An alternative or archaic form of continence; self-restraint and moderation in conduct and desire.
From Latin 'continentia' with the English '-cy' suffix variant added (an older way of forming nouns). Both 'continence' and 'continency' existed as variant forms, though 'continence' became the standard.
This is a beautiful example of how English had multiple versions of the same word—'continency' and 'continence'—and over time people just picked one and stuck with it, leaving the alternative as a historical curiosity in old books!
Variant of continence; same gendered history of sexual/moral restraint applied asymmetrically to women.
Use neutrally as self-control without gendered moral dimensions.
["restraint","moderation","discipline"]
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