straiten

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Straitened p. pr. & vb. n. Straitening. ] 1. To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to confine. [ 1913 Webster ]

Waters, when straitened, as at the falls of bridges, give a roaring noise. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

In narrow circuit, straitened by a foe. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To make tense, or tight; to tighten. [ 1913 Webster ]

They straiten at each end the cord. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To restrict; to distress or embarrass in respect of means or conditions of life; -- used chiefly in the past participle; -- as, a man straitened in his circumstances. [ 1913 Webster ]