*continental*

n. 1. (Amer. Hist.) A soldier in the Continental army. See Continental, a., 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Amer. Hist.) a piece of the Continental currency, paper money issued under authority of the Continental Congress. See Continental, a., 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

"Not worth a continental." was said of Continental currency after the American revolution, when it was considered almost worthless. Eventually, under Alexander Hamilton's direction at the Treasury department, the currency was all redeemed at full value. [ PJC ]

. the movements of continents relative to each other across the Earth's surface; see plate tectonics. [ PJC ]

. (Automobiles) A transmission arrangement in which the longitudinal crank shaft drives the rear wheels through a clutch, change-speed gear, countershaft, and two parallel side chains, in order. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

. A broad ice sheet resting on a plain or plateau and spreading outward from a central névé, or region of accumulation. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

def>A method of pronouncing Latin and Greek in which the vowels have their more familiar Continental values, as in German and Italian, the consonants being pronounced mostly as in English. The stricter form of this method of pronouncing Latin approaches the Roman, the modified form the English, pronunciation. The Continental method of Greek pronunciation is often called Erasmian. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

. (Hist.) The system of commercial blockade aiming to exclude England from commerce with the Continent instituted by the
Berlin decree, which Napoleon I. issued from Berlin Nov. 21, 1806, declaring the British Isles to be in a state of blockade, and British subjects, property, and merchandise subject to capture, and excluding British ships from all parts of Europe under French dominion. The retaliatory measures of England were followed by the
Milan decree, issued by Napoleon from Milan Dec. 17, 1807, imposing further restrictions, and declaring every ship going to or from a port of England or her colonies to be lawful prize. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. 1. Between or among continents; subsisting or carried on between continents; as, intercontinental relations or commerce. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Passing between continents or capable of passing between continents; as, an intercontinental ballistic misile; an intercontinental airplane flight. [ PJC ]