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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

STRAITEN, v. Also ¶straithen, streten. Sc. forms and usages, now rare or obs. in Eng. [′stretən, ′strɛt-]

1. To tighten, draw more closely (a knot, rope or the like) (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 185, streten; Sh., n.Sc., Ags. 1971).Sc. 1771 Session Papers, Mitchell v. Baird (5 Jan.) 9:
The complainer himself laid hold of the cravat which the respondent had about his neck, and endeavoured, by straitning it, to strangle him.

2. To tighten the stomach, to take a hearty meal (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 186). Vbl.n. stretenan, a good tuck-in (Ib.).

3. To press hard, to put in a fix or difficulty; refl. to exert oneself to the utmost, make every effort, to put oneself about or to inconvenience. Phr. straitening circumstances, = Eng. straitened circumstances. Cf. Strait, v., 4.Sc. a.1714 Earls Crm. (Fraser 1876) II. 477:
Straithned also with the exigence of his people's danger.Slg. 1715 G. I. Murray Records Falkirk Parish (1888) II. 99:
Straitned as to the admitting the said Mr William Scot to be schoolmaster there.Sc. 1726 R. Wodrow Corresp. (1843) III. 234:
Pray do not straiten yourself with any thing I cast in.Sc. a.1732 T. Boston Crook in the Lot (1805) 17:
Providence keeps them still in straitening circumstances.s.Sc. 1751 J. J. Vernon Par. Hawick (1900) 189:
In case his Widow should be reduced to straitning circumstances.Abd. p.1769 A. Ross Works (S.T.S.) 184:
“Gin I can win,” says Henny, “dinna fear But I mysell sud straiten to be there.”