In a general sense, the restraint which a person imposes upon his desires and passions; self-command.

Appropriately, the restraint of the passion for sexual enjoyment; resistance of concupiscence; forbearance of lewd pleasures; henceBut the term is usually applied to males, as chastity is to females. Scipio the younger exhibited the nobles example of continence recorded in Pagan history; an example surpassed only by that of Joseph in sacred history.

Forbearance of lawful pleasure. Content without lawful venery, is continence; without unlawful, is chastity.

Moderation in the indulgence of sexual enjoyment. Chastity is either abstinence or continence; abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence, that of married persons.

Continuity; uninterrupted course.