- Constraining
- Constrain Con*strain", v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Constrained}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Constraining}.] [OF. constraindre, F.
contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight.
See {Strain}, and. cf. {Constrict}, {Constringe}.]
1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold
tightly; to constringe.
[1913 Webster]
He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress. [1913 Webster]
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. --Gay. [1913 Webster]
3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress. [1913 Webster]
My sire in caves constrains the winds. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige. [1913 Webster]
The love of Christ constraineth us. --2. Cor. v. 14. [1913 Webster]
I was constrained to appeal unto C[ae]sar. --Acts xxviii. 19. [1913 Webster]
5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.
Syn: To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.