1. To compel or force; to urge with irresistible power, or with a power sufficient to produce the effect.
The spirit within me constraineth me. Job 32.
I was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Acts 28.
For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Cor 5.
2. To confine by fore; to restrain from escape or action; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds.
3. To hold by force; to press; to confine.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
4. To constringe; to bind.
When winter frosts constrain the field with cold.
5. To tie fast; to bind; to chain; to confine.
He binds in chains the drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
6. To necessitate.
Did fate or we the adulterous act constrain?
7. To force; to ravish. [Not used.]
8. To produce in opposition to nature; as a constrained voice; constrained notes.
