kræmp n. & v. --n. 1 a a
painful involuntary contraction of a
muscle or muscles
from the cold, exertion, etc. b = writer's cramp (see WRITER). 2 (also cramp-iron) a
metal bar
with bent ends
for holding masonry etc.
together. 3 a
portable tool for holding
two planks etc. together; a
clamp. 4 a
restraint. --v.tr. 1 affect with cramp. 2
confine narrowly. 3
restrict (energies etc.). 4 (as cramped adj.) (of handwriting)
small and difficult to
read. 5
fasten with a cramp. øcramp a person's
style prevent a
person from
acting freely or
naturally. cramp up confine narrowly. [ME f. OF crampe f. MDu., MLG krampe, OHG krampfo f. adj.
meaning 'bent':
cf. CRIMP]