\Dur"ance\, n. [OF. durance duration, fr. L. durans,
-antis, p. pr. durare to endure, last. See {Dure}, and cf.
{Durant}.]
1. Continuance; duration. See {Endurance}. [Archaic]
         Of how short durance was this new-made state!
                                               --Dryden.
2. Imprisonment; restraint of the person; custody by a
   jailer; duress. Shak. ``Durance vile.'' --Burns.
         In durance, exile, Bedlam or the mint. --Pope.
3.
   (a) A stout cloth stuff, formerly made in imitation of
       buff leather and used for garments; a sort of tammy or
       everlasting.
             Where didst thou buy this buff? let me not live
             but I will give thee a good suit of durance.
                                               --J. Webster.
   (b) In modern manufacture, a worsted of one color used for
       window blinds and similar purposes.