celibacy

[ sel-uh-buh-see ]

/ ˈsɛl ə bə si /

abstention from sexual relations.

abstention by vow from marriage: the celibacy of priests.

the state of being unmarried.

Origin of celibacy

1655–65; < Latin caelibā(tus) celibacy ( caelib-, stem of caelebs single + -ātus -ate³) + -cy

cel·i·bat·ic

[sel-uh-bat-ik] /ˌsɛl əˈbæt ɪk/, adjective

Do you think that if the rules on celibacy were loosened, this would change things considerably?

Alex Gibney’s ‘Mea Maxima Culpa’: Sex, Lies, and the Catholic Church |Michael Moynihan |February 4, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
First undergo a rectal exam, celibacy lecture, and waiting period.

State Pols Outraged by Anti-Abortion Laws Push Onerous Restrictions on Viagra |Allison Yarrow |March 14, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
After this warm appeal, the evangelists met at Einsidlen came to celibacy.

History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Vol 2 |J. H. Merle D'Aubign
Prejudices: celibacy of priests, futility of adultery, emancipation of woman.

Bouvard and Pcuchet, part 2 |Gustave Flaubert

Between these the primal law of celibacy between brother and sister as such embraced the whole generation.

Social Origins and Primal Law |Andrew Lang
The light which he and his friends had acquired on the subject of celibacy was not generally diffused.

History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Vol 2 |J. H. Merle D'Aubign
On the one hand you are doomed to a life of celibacy—married to a woman whom you can never meet again.

'Farewell' |W. H. Stacpoole