rare. [Partly a. OF. estrainte, estreinte (mod.F. étreinte), n. of action f. étreindre to STRAIN; partly a nonce-formation, after restraint, constraint, to serve as a sb. to STRAIN v.] Application of force or pressure.
1534. Prymer in Engl., O v. When we are driuen to suche an harde straynte [1538 straynt] that we can not tel what to do.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., V. ii. 14. Sir Artegall … Vppon his iron coller griped fast, That with the straint his wesand nigh he brast.
a. 1876. G. Dawson, Shaks. & other Lect. (1888), 304. Friendship … is above the straints and restraints of destiny.
