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.
Phrases and idioms:
cramp a person's style prevent a person from acting freely or naturally. cramp up confine narrowly.
Etymology: ME f. OF crampe f. MDu., MLG krampe, OHG krampfo f. adj. meaning 'bent': cf. CRIMP