Band books

A splendid seignior, magnificent in
cramoisy velevet.

Motley.

Cramp (krămp), n. [OE.
crampe, craumpe; akin to D. & Sw. kramp,
Dan. krampe, G. krampf (whence F. crampe),
Icel. krappr strait, narrow, and to E. crimp,
crumple; cf. cram. See Grape.]
1. That which confines or contracts; a
restraint; a shackle; a hindrance.

A narrow fortune is a cramp to a great
mind.

L'Estrange.

Crippling his pleasures with the cramp of
fear.

Cowper.

2. (Masonry) A device, usually of
iron bent at the ends, used to hold together blocks of stone,
timbers, etc.; a cramp iron.

3. (Carp.) A rectangular frame,
with a tightening screw, used for compressing the joints of
framework, etc.

4. A piece of wood having a curve
corresponding to that of the upper part of the instep, on which
the upper leather of a boot is stretched to give it the requisite
shape.

5. (Med.) A spasmodic and painful
involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles, as of the
leg.


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