constrainv. t.[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.(Shak.)6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.()()