from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Astringe \As*tringe"\ ([a^]s*tr[i^]nj"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Astringed} (-tr[i^]njd"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Astringing}
(-j[i^]ng).] [L. astringere; ad + stringere to draw tight.
Cf. {Astrict}, and see {Strain}, v. t.]
1. To bind fast; to constrict; to contract; to cause parts to
draw together; to compress.
[1913 Webster]
Which contraction . . . astringeth the moisture of
the brain and thereby sendeth tears into the eyes.
--Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
2. To bind by moral or legal obligation. --Wolsey.
[1913 Webster]