continent

noun10

1. •
   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 Aeonian hills, and sow The dust of continents to be; […] — 1850
2. •
   Each of the traditional main regions into which the Earth’s land surface is divided, including both an extent of mainland and various conventionally associated islands, etc; namely, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australasia/Oceania, North America, South America, and Antarctica.
3. •
   (figurative) A large connected expanse of something in general.
4. •
   (no longer used) 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; […] — 1624
5. •
   (no longer used) Any continuous tract or area of land; country, connected region.
6. •
   (no longer used) Land (as opposed to the water), dry land.

   • The carkas with the streame was carried downe, / But th’head fell backeward on the continent. — 1590
7. •
   (no longer used) Container, vessel, something that holds or contains something else.
8. •
   (no longer used) The principal or essential points of something viewed collectively: sum, summary, substance.

   • […] Here's the scroll, The continent and summary of my fortune. — 1596
9. •
   (no longer used) The body or mass of a celestial body such as the sun or moon.
10. •
    (no longer used) Space, capacity.

adjective5

1. •
   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. — 1603
2. •
   Having voluntary control over one’s urination or defecation.
3. •
   (no longer used) Not interrupted; connected; continuous, whether in time or space.

   • Affrike and Europe bordering on your land, And continent to your Dominions: […] — 1587
4. •
   (no longer used) Containing or capable of containing.
5. •
   (no longer used) Serving to restrain or limit; restraining; opposing.

   • Have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower. — 1599

noun1

1. •
   An Encratite.