An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. (v.intr) To go on or keep on without interruption as in some course or action.
   

2. (v.trans) To cause to remain in a particular condition.

Etymology (EN): M.E. contynuen, from O.Fr. continuer, from L. continuare “to make all one, join together, make or be continuous,” from continuus “uninterrupted,” from continere “to be uninterrupted,” literally
“to hold together,” from → con- + tenere “to hold,” cognate with Pers. tanidan, → tension.

Etymology (PE): 1) Peydâštan,
from pey “after; pursuit; track; step,” → tracking,

• dâštan “to have, hold, maintain,” → access.
  

2. Peydâdan, from pey, as above, + dâdan “to give, yield, grant, command,” → yield.