n. & v.
n. 1 a a painful involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles from the cold, exertion, etc. b = writer's cramp (see WRITER). 2 (also cramp-iron) a metal bar with bent ends for holding masonry etc. together. 3 a portable tool for holding two planks etc. together; a clamp. 4 a restraint.
v.tr. 1 affect with cramp. 2 confine narrowly. 3 restrict (energies etc.). 4 (as cramped adj.) (of handwriting) small and difficult to read. 5 fasten with a cramp. cramp a person's style prevent a person from acting freely or naturally. cramp up confine narrowly.
[ ME f. OF crampe f. MDu., MLG krampe, OHG krampfo f. adj. meaning 'bent': cf. CRIMP ]