from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Straiten \Strait"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Straitened}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Straitening}.]
1. To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to
confine.
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Waters, when straitened, as at the falls of bridges,
give a roaring noise. --Bacon.
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In narrow circuit, straitened by a foe. --Milton.
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2. To make tense, or tight; to tighten.
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They straiten at each end the cord. --Pope.
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3. To restrict; to distress or embarrass in respect of means
or conditions of life; -- used chiefly in the past
participle; -- as, a man straitened in his circumstances.
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