v. t. [ 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, v. t., 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
Gives way to in repose! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge. [ 1913 Webster ] Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. Trench. [ 1913 Webster ] Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is to be restrained by a part of the predicate. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. To withhold; to forbear. [ 1913 Webster ] Thou restrained prayer before God. Job. xv. 4. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb; suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
