Search Result for "restraining": 

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Restrain \Re*strain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Restrained; p. pr. & vb. n. Restraining.] [OE. restreinen, F. restreindre, fr. L. restringere, restrictum; pref. re- re- + stringere to draw, bind, or press together. See Strain, v. t., and cf. Restrict.] 1. To draw back again; to hold back from acting, proceeding, or advancing, either by physical or moral force, or by any interposing obstacle; to repress or suppress; to keep down; to curb. [1913 Webster] Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose! --Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster] 3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge. [1913 Webster] Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster] 4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. --Trench. [1913 Webster] Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is to be restrained by a part of the predicate. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster] 5. To withhold; to forbear. [1913 Webster] Thou restrained prayer before God. --Job. xv. 4. [1913 Webster] Syn: To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb; suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine. [1913 Webster]
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

RESTRAINING. Narrowing down, making less extensive; as, a restraining statute, by which the common law is narrowed down or made less extensive in its operation.