|
(), 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 Csar. 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. スポンサード リンク
|