As*trin"gen*cy (s*trn"jen*s), n. The quality of being astringent; the power of contracting the parts of the body; that quality in medicines or other substances which causes contraction of the organic textures; as, the astringency of tannin.
As*trin"gent (-jent), a. [L. astringens, p. pr. of astringere: cf. F. astringent. See Astringe.] 1. Drawing together the tissues; binding; contracting; -- opposed to laxative; as, astringent medicines; a butter and astringent taste; astringent fruit.