STRAITEN,

1. To make narrow.

In narrow circuit, straitend by a foe.

2. To contract to confine as, to straiten the British commerce.
3. To make tense or tight as, to straiten a cord.
4. To distress to perplex to press with poverty or other necessity as, a man straitened in his circumstances.
5. To press by want of sufficient room.

Waters when straitened, as at the falls of bridges, give a roaring noise.