An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To hold or keep within its volume or area.

Etymology (EN): M.E. conte(y)nen, from O.Fr. contenir, from L. continere “to hold together, enclose,” from → com- “together” + tenere “to hold.”

Etymology (PE): Parbanidan, constructed from Mid.Pers. parvand-, parvastan “to include, contain,” from variant parband- and dropping the end d, as occurs in several dialects; from par- “around,” → peri-, + ban-, van-, band, vand, bastan, → band, + -idan infinitive suffix; related to parvandé, → file.