continuance

noun

1. The act or fact of continuing.
2. The time during which something exists or lasts; duration.
3. A continuation or sequel.
4. Law Postponement or adjournment to a future date.

Usage Note: Continuance is interchangeable with continuation in some of its senses. However, only continuance is used to refer to the duration of a state or condition, as in his continuance in office. Continuation applies especially to prolongation or resumption of action (a continuation of the meeting) or to physical extension (the continuation of the street). The continuation of a story is that part of the story following a break in its narration.