CONSTRAIN
Con*strain", v. t. [imp. & p.p. Constrained; p.pr. & vb.n.
Constraining.] Etym: [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
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 CActs 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.
CONSTRAINABLE Con*strain"a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. OF. constraignable, F. contraignable.]
Defn: Capable of being constrained; liable to constraint, or to restraint. Hooker.