Dis*train" (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Distrained (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Distraining.] [OE. destreinen to force,
OF. destreindre to press, oppress, force, fr. L.
distringere, districtum, to draw asunder, hinder,
molest, LL., to punish severely; di- = stringere to
draw tight, press together. See Strain, and cf.
Distress, District, Distraint.]
1. To press heavily upon; to bear down upon with
violence; hence, to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress,
torment, or afflict. [Obs.] "Distrained with chains."
Chaucer.
2. To rend; to tear. [Obs.]
Neither guile nor force might it [a net]
distrain.
Spenser.
3. (Law) (a) To seize,
as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for
nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take
by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an
amercement. (b) To subject to distress; to
coerce; as, to distrain a person by his goods and
chattels.
Dis*train", v. i. To levy a
distress.
Upon whom I can distrain for debt.
Camden.
