\Strait"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Straitened}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Straitening}.]
1. To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to
   confine.
         Waters, when straitened, as at the falls of bridges,
         give a roaring noise.                 --Bacon.
         In narrow circuit, straitened by a foe. --Milton.
2. To make tense, or tight; to tighten.
         They straiten at each end the cord.   --Pope.
3. To restrict; to distress or embarrass in respect of means
   or conditions of life; -- used chiefly in the past
   participle; -- as, a man straitened in his circumstances.