— straitly , adv. — straitness , n.
/strayt/ , n.
1. Often, straits . ( used with a sing. v. ) a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water.
2. Often, straits . a position of difficulty, distress, or need: Ill and penniless, he was in sad straits indeed.
3. Archaic. a narrow passage or area.
4. an isthmus.
adj. Archaic.
5. narrow: Strait is the gate.
6. affording little space; confined in area.
7. strict, as in requirements or principles.
[ 1150-1200; ME streit estreit strictus ptp. of stringere to bind; see STRAIN 1 ]
Syn. 2. exigency, pinch, dilemma, predicament, plight. See emergency .
Ant. 2. ease.