self-possession

[ self-puh-zesh-uh n, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlf pəˈzɛʃ ən, ˌsɛlf- /

the quality of being self-possessed; control of one's feelings, behavior, etc.; composure; poise.

Origin of self-possession

First recorded in 1735–45

Our shock is not from indecency, but from the absence of self-possession, the ultimate bourgeois possession.

Who Is Philip Roth’s Portnoy Satirizing? |Bernard Avishai |August 28, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
For Ann Romney, let self-possession begin with something in a nice, bracing solid.

Ann Romney’s Political Style on Mitt Romney’s Republican Campaign by Robin Givhan |Robin Givhan |August 27, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
British-born, he had a level of self-possession that seemed virtually Bond-like in the urbanity vacuum of CBS prime time.

A Kiss Goodbye to Richard Dawson |Rebecca Dana |June 4, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
One can only hope he will accept his accolades with the grace and self-possession he has now.

Little Mr. Sunshine |Rachel Syme |April 3, 2009 |DAILY BEAST

I hummed softly in her ear the commencement of it, and restored to her the necessary calmness and self-possession.

Louis Spohr's Autobiography |Louis Spohr
Before that glance the young doctor moved, with a start of uneasiness, despite his self-possession.

Bella Donna |Robert Hichens
Miss Clarence was surprised at the calm and self-possession of the woman before her.

Lady Bountiful |George A. Birmingham
They had not so far lost all self-possession, however, as to fail to observe two strange peculiarities of their visitor.

The Purcell Papers |Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
He, also, was confused and (strange to say) embarrassed; but he had self-possession enough to shout, "Davaï!"

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 99, January, 1866 |Various