ˈd(y)u̇rən(t)s, -ür- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from durer to last, endure + -ance — more at dure
1.
a. obsolete : continuance , duration
b. archaic : durability
c. archaic : endurance
2. : restraint by or as if by physical force : confinement , imprisonment
he has not, certainly, been cramped … there has been no durance within the four walls of the House of Commons — Max Beerbohm
— often used in the phrase durance vile
after durance vile of ten days he was released — J.E.Davies
3. : an obsolete strong felted cloth of woolen or worsted usually made in imitation of buff leather