(1):

(v. t.) To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to confine.

(2):

(v. t.) To make tense, or tight; to tighten.

(3):

(v. t.) 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.