incontinence

Etymology

From Middle English incontinence, from Old French incontinence, from Latin incontinentia.

noun

  1. (dated) Lack of self-restraint, an inability to control oneself; unchastity.
    Allworthy was sufficiently offended by this transgression of Jones; for notwithstanding the assertions of Mr Western, it is certain this worthy man had never indulged himself in any loose pleasures with women, and greatly condemned the vice of incontinence in others. 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society, published 1973, page 119
  2. (urology) The inability of any of the physical organs to restrain discharges of their contents; involuntary discharge or evacuation (of urine or feces).

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