Habit designed to keep people dry (10)

I believe the answer is:

temperance

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'habit' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for temperance that I've seen before include "virtue?" , "Lack of bottle" , "Feature of traditional Methodism" , "Moderation" , "for staying off drink" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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