a-strain, advb. phr.
(əˈstreɪn)
[a prep.1 + strain.]
On the strain, straining.
| 1856 Mrs. Browning Aur. Leigh vi. 328 Eyes..with conscious lids astrain In recognition. 1870 Morris Earthly Par. II. iii. 164 A-strain, All gifts of that sweet time to gain. |