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, Conbstringere.]

1.

To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or con; to hold tightly; to constringe.

He binds in hains The droway prophet, and his limbs constrains. Dryden.

When winter frosts constrain the fields with old. Dryden.

2.

To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.

How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. Gay.

3.

To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.

My sire in caves constrains the winds. Dryden.

4.

To compel; to force; to necessiate; to oblige.

The love of Christ constraineth us. 2. Cor. v. 14.

I was constrained to appeal unto Csar. Acts xxviii. 19.

5.

To violate; to ravish.

[Obs.]

Shak.

6.

To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effet; as, a constrained voice.

Syn. -- To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.

 

© Webster 1913.

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