STRAIT, a. See Straight.
1. Narrow close not broad.
Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7 .
2. Close intimate as a strait degree of favor.
3. Strict rigorous.
He now, forsooth, takes on him to reform some certain edicts, and some strait decrees.
4. Difficult distressful.
5. Straight not crooked.
STRAIT, n. See Straight.
1. A narrow pass or passage, either in a mountain or in the ocean, between continents or other portions of land as the straits of Gibraltar the straits of Magellan the straits of Dover. In this sense, the plural is more generally used than the singular, and often without any apparent reason or propriety.
2. Distress difficulty distressing necessity formerly written streight. Used either in the singular or plural.
Let no man who owns a providence, become desperate under any calamity or strait whatsoever.
Ulysses made use of the pretense of natural infirmity to conceal the straits he was in at that time in his thoughts.
STRAIT, To put to difficulties. Not in use.