■ noun
1》 painful involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles, typically caused by fatigue or strain.
↘( ~s ) N. Amer. abdominal pain caused by menstruation.
2》 a tool, typically shaped like a capital G, for clamping two objects together.
↘(also ~-iron ) a metal bar with bent ends for holding masonry together.
■ verb
1》 restrict or inhibit the development of.
2》 fasten with a ~ or ~s.
3》 suffer from ~.
Phrases
~ someone's style informal prevent a person from acting freely or naturally.
Origin
ME: from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. krampe ; sense 1 of the noun is via OFr. ~e .