n. 1 the act or an instance of restraining or being restrained. 2 a stoppage; a check; a controlling agency or influence. 3 a self-control; avoidance of excess or exaggeration. b austerity of literary expression. 4 reserve of manner. 5 confinement, esp. because of insanity. 6 something which restrains or holds in check. in restraint of in order to restrain. restraint of trade action seeking to interfere with free-market conditions.
[ ME f. OF restreinte fem. past part. of restreindre: see RESTRAIN ]