I. ˈstrāt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French estreit, from Latin strictus strait, strict, from past participle of stringere
Date: 13th century
1. archaic : strict , rigorous
2. archaic
a. : narrow
b. : limited in space or time
c. : closely fitting : constricted, tight
3.
a. : causing distress : difficult
b. : limited as to means or resources
• strait·ly adverb
• strait·ness noun
II. adverb
Date: 13th century
obsolete : in a close or tight manner
III. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. archaic : a narrow space or passage
b. : a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water — often used in plural but sing. in constr.
c. : isthmus
2. : a situation of perplexity or distress — often used in plural
in dire strait s
Synonyms: see juncture