Re‐strain″ (?), 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.
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
Gives way to in repose! Shak.
2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. 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.