As*tringe" (ăs*tr&ibreve;nj"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Astringed (-tr&ibreve;njd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Astringing (-j&ibreve;ng).] [L. astringere; ad + stringere to draw tight. Cf. Astrict, and see Strain, v. t.] 1. To bind fast; to constrict; to contract; to cause parts to draw together; to compress.

Which contraction . . . astringeth the moisture of the brain and thereby sendeth tears into the eyes.
Bacon.

2. To bind by moral or legal obligation. Wolsey.