Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Continental system \Continental system\ (Hist.)
   The system of commercial blockade aiming to exclude England
   from commerce with the Continent instituted by the

   {Berlin decree}, which Napoleon I. issued from Berlin Nov.
      21, 1806, declaring the British Isles to be in a state of
      blockade, and British subjects, property, and merchandise
      subject to capture, and excluding British ships from all
      parts of Europe under French dominion. The retaliatory
      measures of England were followed by the

   {Milan decree}, issued by Napoleon from Milan Dec. 17, 1807,
      imposing further restrictions, and declaring every ship
      going to or from a port of England or her colonies to be
      lawful prize.