Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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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."