CONSTRAIN, L., to strain, to bind. See Strain. In a general sense, to strain to press to urge to drive to exert force, physical or moral, either in urging to action or in restraining it. Hence,
1. To compel or force to urge with irresistible power, or with a power sufficient to produce the effect.
The spirit within me constraineth me. Job 32 .
I was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Acts 28 .
For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5 .
2. To confine by fore to restrain from escape or action to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds.
3. To hold by force to press to confine.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
4. To constringe to bind.
When winter frosts constrain the field with cold.
5. To tie fast to bind to chain to confine.
He binds in chains the drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
6. To necessitate.
Did fate or we the adulterous act constrain?
7. To force to ravish. Not used.
8. To produce in opposition to nature as a constrained voice constrained notes.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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