strain (v.) Old form(s): strayn'd
transgress, go beyond, exceed
Ven.888[of hounds and a boar] They all strain court'sy who shall cope him first
WT III.ii.49[Hermione to Leontes] With what encounter so uncurrent I / Have strained t'appear thus [i.e. what limits of behaviour have I exceeded that I should now find myself on trial]
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