As*tringe" (#), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Astringed (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Astringing (#).] [L. astringere; ad + stringere to draw tight. Cf. Astrict, and see Strain, v. t.]
1.
To bind fast; to constrict; to contract; to cause parts to draw together; to compress.
Which contraction . . . astringeth the moistu br and thereby sendeth tears into the eyes.
Bacon.
2.
To bind by moral or legal obligation.
Wolsey.
© Webster 1913.