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. [ 1913 Webster ] He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress. [ 1913 Webster ] How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. Gay. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress. [ 1913 Webster ] My sire in caves constrains the winds. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige. [ 1913 Webster ] The love of Christ constraineth us. 2. Cor. v. 14. [ 1913 Webster ] I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar. Acts xxviii. 19. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. To violate; to ravish. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] |