Strāit'en, v. t.

(strāt'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. STRAITENED; p. pr. & vb. n. STRAITENING.]

1Sense 1. To make strait; to narrow; to confine. “In narrow circuit, straitened by a foe.” Milton.

Waters, when straitened, as at the falls of bridges, give a roaring noise. Bacon.

2Sense 2. To make tense or tight. “Gasps as they straiten at each end the cord.” Pope.

3Sense 3. To distress; to perplex; to press with poverty or other necessity; as, a man straitened in his circumstances.