  We derive a formalism to describe the scattering of polarized radiation over
the full spectral range encompassed by atomic transitions belonging to the same
spectral series (e.g., the H I Lyman and Balmer series, the UV multiplets of Fe
I and Fe II). This allows us to study the role of radiation-induced coherence
among the upper terms of the spectral series, and its contribution to Rayleigh
scattering and the polarization of the solar continuum. We rely on previous
theoretical results for the emissivity of a three-term atom of the
$\Lambda$-type taking into account partially coherent scattering, and
generalize its expression in order to describe a "multiple $\Lambda$" atomic
system underlying the formation of a spectral series. Our study shows that
important polarization effects must be expected because of the combined action
of partial frequency redistribution and radiation-induced coherence among the
terms of the series. In particular, our model predicts the correct asymptotic
limit of 100% polarization in the far wings of a \emph{complete} (i.e., $\Delta
L=0,\pm 1$) group of transitions, which must be expected on the basis of the
principle of spectroscopic stability.
