straintEtymologyUncertain. Perhaps partly from Middle French estrainte, estreinte, from Old French estrainte, estreinte; and perhaps partly taken from a clipping of English contraint, restraint, etc. See strain.straint means Strain (tension of overexertion). Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.nounStrain (tension of overexertion).“That with the straint o his weasand nigh he brast”