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.
He binds in chains
The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
Dryden.
When winter frosts constrain the fields
with cold.
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 necessitate;
to oblige.
The love of Christ constraineth us.
2. Cor. v. 14.
I was constrained to appeal unto
Cæsar.
Acts xxviii. 19.
5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.]
Shak.
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.
