distrain

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To rend; to tear. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Neither guile nor force might it [ a net ] distrain. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]