astringe, v.
(əˈstrɪndʒ)
Also 6–7 adstringe, 7 astring.
[ad. L. a-, ad-stringĕre, f. ad to + stringĕre to tie, bind.]
1. trans. To bind together, draw close (the organic tissues); to constrict, compress; hence, to render costive, constipate.
| 1562 W. Bullein Bk. Simples 41 b, Ivy is of a contrary..facultie, adstringing, binding. 1607 Topsell Serpents 789 Cobweb adstringeth..and closeth up wounds. 1620 Venner Via Recta vi. 95 They coarctate the breast, and astringe the belly. 1725 Bradley Fam. Dict., Vinegar..will so much astringe the Fibres of the whole Body. 1875 H. Wood Therap. (1879) 25 Every living soft tissue..may..have its tonicity increased, or be astringed. |
† 2. intr. To become constricted or compressed.
| 1603 Holland Plutarch's Mor. 819 (R.) The moister anything is..given it is to cold, to astringe and congeal. |
† 3. trans. To bind morally or legally; to put under obligation or necessity; to oblige. Obs.
| 1523 State Papers Hen. VIII, I. 119 Your Grace is not astringed or bounden to any charge. 1635 [Glapthorne] Lady Mother v. ii, Natures does astring a dewteous child To obey his parent. 1752 Law Spir. Love i. 32 The desire, as astringing, always begets a resistance equal to itself. |