Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Straiten \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.