DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Dis·train v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distrained p. pr. & vb. n. Distraining.]
 1. To press heavily upon; to bear down upon with violence; hence, to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress, torment, or afflict. [Obs.] “Distrained with chains.”
 2. To rend; to tear. [Obs.]
    Neither guile nor force might it [a net] distrain.   --Spenser.
 3. Law (a) To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement. (b) To subject to distress; to coerce; as, to distrain a person by his goods and chattels.