straiten

It is known that statutes made, not to open and enlarge, but on fair grounds to straiten proofs, require two witnesses in cases of high treason.

From The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 11 (of 12) by Edmund Burke

Does he not, at this instant, straiten and invade your confederates, whom you have solemnly sworn to protect?

From The Young Gentleman and Lady's Monitor, and English Teacher's Assistant by John Hamilton Moore

Cæsar's men daily carried on their works to straiten the enemy; those of Pompey, having the advantage of numbers, did the same to enlarge themselves, and severely galled the enemy by their slingers and archers.

From Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by William Pinnock

Harden, at the same time, with a body of mounted militia, had it in charge to straiten the enemy upon the Edisto.

From The Life of Francis Marion by William Gilmore Simms

That I abandon places when I like them not, Unless Death chain the soul and straiten her career?

From A Literary History of the Arabs by Reynold Nicholson