continent

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   one of the large landmasses of the earth

   there are seven continents

2. 2
   noun

   One of the main contiguous landmasses, separated by water or geological features, on the surface of a planet, sometimes including its continental shelves and the islands on them.

   But I should turn mine ears and hear The moanings of the homeless sea, ⁠The sound of streams that swift or slow ⁠Draw down Æonian hills, and sow The dust of continents to be; […]

3. 3
   noun

   A large contiguous landmass as opposed to its islands, peninsulas, and so forth; mainland. Also specifically, the Old World continent of Europe–Asia–Africa: see the Continent.

   No man is an Iland, intire of it ſelfe; euery man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; […]

4. 4
   noun

   Land (as opposed to the water), dry land.

   The carkas with the streame was carried downe, / But th’head fell backeward on the continent.

5. 5
   noun

   The principal or essential points of something viewed collectively: sum, summary, substance.

   […] Here's the scroll, The continent and summary of my fortune.

6. 6
   adj

   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.

7. 7
   adj

   Not interrupted; connected; continuous, whether in time or space.

   a continent fever

8. 8
   adj

   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.

Etymology

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