adv. (Winchester College).—Ill; on the sick list. [From continens cameram vel lectum, keeping one’s room or bed.]—See ABROAD.
1866. MANSFIELD, School-Life at Winchester College, p. 146. When a boy felt ill, or inclined to quit school for a period, he had to get leave CONTINENT, which was done by sending a boy in the morning first to get leave from his tutor, and then from the Head Master.
1878. H. C. ADAMS, Wykehamica, p. 224. They suggested the ‘CONTINENT Room’; and on being required to say what was to become of the sick boys? replied, that it was notorious that there was never anything the matter with them!
