Ham″string′, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Hamstrung; p. pr. & vb. n.Hamstringing. See String.] To lame or disable by cutting the tendons of the ham or knee; to hough; hence, to cripple; to incapacitate; to disable.
So have they hamstrung the valor of the subject by seeking to effeminate us all at home. Milton.