As‐tringe″ (ăs‐trĭnj″), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Astringed (–trĭnjd″); p. pr. & vb. n.Astringing (–jĭng).] [L. astringere; ad + stringere to draw tight. Cf. Astrict, and see Strain, v. t.] 1. To bind fast; to constrict; to contract; to cause parts to draw together; to compress.
Which contraction... astringeth the moisture of the brain and thereby sendeth tears into the eyes.
Bacon.
2. To bind by moral or legal obligation. Wolsey.