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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Restrain \Re*strain"\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Restrained}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Restraining}.] [OE. restreinen, F. restreindre, fr. L. restringere, restrictum; pref. re- re- + stringere to draw, bind, or press together. See {Strain}, verb (used with an object), and cf. {Restrict}.]
1. To draw back again; to hold back from acting, proceeding, or advancing, either by physical or moral force, or by any interposing obstacle; to repress or suppress; to keep down; to curb.
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose! --Shak.
2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [Obs.] --Shak.
3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge.
Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty. --Clarendon.
4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. --Trench.
Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is to be restrained by a part of the predicate. --I. Watts.
5. To withhold; to forbear.
Thou restrained prayer before God. --Job. xv. 4.
Syn: To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb; suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine.
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |