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.