v. t.
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 ]
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. Gay. [ 1913 Webster ]
My sire in caves constrains the winds. Dryden. [ 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 ]
a. [ Cf. OF. constraignable, F. contraignable. ] Capable of being constrained; liable to constraint, or to restraint. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Marked by constraint; not free; not voluntary; embarrassed;
adv. By constraint or compulsion; in a constrained manner. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who constrains. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ OF. constrainte, F. constrainte. ] The act of constraining, or the state of being constrained; that which compels to, or restrains from, action; compulsion; restraint; necessity. [ 1913 Webster ]
Long imprisonment and hard constraint. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
Not by constraint, but by my choice, I came. Dryden.
a. Constraining; compulsory. [ R. ] “Any constraintive vow.” R. Carew. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
Such things as constrict the fibers. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]
Membranous organs inclosing a cavity which their contraction serves to constrict. Todd & Bowman. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
adj.