/ri straynt"/ , n.
1. a restraining action or influence: freedom from restraint.
2. Sometimes, restraints . a means of or device for restraining, as a harness for the body.
3. the act of restraining, holding back, controlling, or checking.
4. the state or fact of being restrained; deprivation of liberty; confinement.
5. constraint or reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.
[ 1350-1400; ME restreinte restrainte, n. use of fem. ptp. of restraindre to RESTRAIN ]
Syn. 4. circumscription, restriction, imprisonment, incarceration.
Ant. 4. liberty.