v. & n.
v.tr. (often foll. by in, to, within) 1 keep or restrict (within certain limits etc.). 2 hold captive; imprison.
n. (usu. in pl.) a limit or boundary (within the confines of the town). be confined be in childbirth.
[ (v.) f. F confiner, (n.) ME f. F confins (pl.), f. L confinia (as com-, finia neut. pl. f. finis end, limit) ]