Continence, Continency, n.
Etymology: [F. continence, L. continentia. See Continent, and cf. Countenance.]
1. Self-restraint; self-command. He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, -- a continence which is practiced by few writers. Dryden.
2. The restraint which a person imposes upon his desires and passions; the act or power of refraining from indulgence of the sexual appetite, esp. from unlawful indulgence; sometimes, moderation in sexual indulgence. If they [the unmarried and widows] have not continency, let them marry. 1 Cor. vii. 9 (Rev. Ver. ). Chastity is either abstinence or continence: abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence, that of married persons. Jer. Taylor.
3. Uninterrupted course; continuity. [Obs.] Ayliffe.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for continence; he lists it under abstinence.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.