Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives
            way to in repose!                     --Shak.

   2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [Obs.] --Shak.

   3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge.

            Though they two were committed, at least restrained
            of their liberty.                     --Clarendon.

   4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. --Trench.

            Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral,
            universality also is to be restrained by a part of
            the predicate.                        --I. Watts.

   5. To withhold; to forbear.

            Thou restrained prayer before God.    --Job. xv. 4.

   Syn: To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb;
        suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine.