Strain, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Strained (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Straining.]
[OF. estraindre, estreindre, F. étreindre, L. stringere to draw or bind
tight; probably akin to Gr. &?; a halter, &?; that which is squeezwd
out, a drop, or perhaps to E. strike. Cf. Strangle, Strike, Constrain,
District, Strait, a. Stress, Strict, Stringent.] 1. To draw with force;
to extend with great effort; to stretch; as, to strain a rope; to
strain the shrouds of a ship; to strain the cords of a musical
instrument. "To strain his fetters with a stricter care." Dryden.
2. (Mech.) To act upon, in any way, so as to cause change of form or
volume, as forces on a beam to bend it.