strait
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Middle English streit, from Anglo-Norman estreit, Old French estreit (modern form étroit), from Latin strictus, perfect passive participle of stringō (“compress, tighten”). Doublet of strict.
Pronunciation[edit]
Adjective[edit]
strait (comparative straiter, superlative straitest)
- (archaic) Narrow; restricted as to space or room; close.
- 1866, Algernon Swinburne, Aholibah, lines 53-55
- Sweet oil was poured out on thy head
- And ran down like cool rain between
- The strait close locks it melted in.
- 1900, Ernest Dowson, To One in Bedlam, lines 3-5
- Those scentless wisps of straw, that miserably line
- His strait, caged universe, whereat the dull world stares,
- Pedant and pitiful.
- 1866, Algernon Swinburne, Aholibah, lines 53-55
- (archaic) Righteous, strict.
- To follow the strait and narrow
Usage notes[edit]
The adjective is often confused with straight.
Derived terms[edit]
Noun[edit]
strait (plural straits)
- (geography) A narrow channel of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
- The Strait of Gibraltar
- A difficult position (often used in plural)
- To be in dire straits
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
narrow channel of water
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a difficult position
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Verb[edit]
strait (third-person singular simple present straits, present participle straiting, simple past and past participle straited)
- (obsolete) To put to difficulties.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)
Adverb[edit]
strait (comparative more strait, superlative most strait)
- (obsolete) Strictly; rigorously.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)
Anagrams[edit]
Categories:
- English terms derived from Middle English
- English terms derived from Anglo-Norman
- English terms derived from Old French
- English terms derived from Latin
- English terms with homophones
- English adjectives
- English archaic terms
- English nouns
- English countable nouns
- en:Geography
- English verbs
- English terms with obsolete senses
- English adverbs