Dis*train" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distrained (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Distraining.] [OE. destreinen to force, OF. destreindre to press, oppress, force, fr. L. distringere, districtum, to draw asunder, hinder, molest, LL., to punish severely; di- = stringere to draw tight, press together. See Strain, and cf. Distress, District, Distraint.]
1.
To press heavily upon; to bear down upon with violence; hence, to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress, torment, or afflict.
[Obs.] "
Distrained with chains."
Chaucer.
2.
To rend; to tear.
[Obs.]
Neither guile nor force might it [a net] distrain.
Spenser.
3. Law (a)
To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement
. (b)
To subject to distress; to coerce; as, to distrain a person by his goods and chattels.
© Webster 1913.
Dis*train", v. i.
To levy a distress.
Upon whom I can distrain for debt.
Camden.
© Webster 1913.