[a. F. contracture (Cotgr.), or ad. L. contractūra, f. contract- ppl. stem of contrahĕre to CONTRACT.]

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  1.  Path. A condition of persistent contraction and rigidity in the muscles or the joints.

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1658.  A. Fox, trans. Würtz’ Surg., I. iii. 9. The healing is often hindered, and contractures and lameness are caused.

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1876.  trans. Ziemssen’s Cycl. Med., XI. 382. The mode of origin of these hemiplegic contractures differs essentially from that of paralytic contractures.

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1882.  Syd. Soc. Lex., Contracture … is usually slowly developed in muscles, as a consequence of rheumatism, neuralgia, convulsions, in paralysis, etc.

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  2.  Arch. The narrowing of a column towards its upper part. [So in Fr.]

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1664.  Evelyn, trans. Freart’s Archit., 126. A Contracture and comely diminution, by workmen called the breaking of the Pillar.

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1706.  Phillips (ed. Kersey), Contracture, the making small of Pillars about the top. Hence in Bailey, etc.

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