Cramp \Cramp\ (kr[a^]mp), 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.
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            A narrow fortune is a cramp to a great mind.
                                                  --L'Estrange.
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            Crippling his pleasures with the cramp of fear.
                                                  --Cowper.
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   2. (Masonry) A device, usually of iron bent at the ends, used
      to hold together blocks of stone, timbers, etc.; a cramp
      iron.
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   3. (Carp.) A rectangular frame, with a tightening screw, used
      for compressing the joints of framework, etc.
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   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.
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   5. (Med.) A spasmodic and painful involuntary contraction of
      a muscle or muscles, as of the leg.
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            The cramp, divers nights, gripeth him in his legs.
                                                  --Sir T. More.
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   6. (Med.) A paralysis of certain muscles due to excessive
      use; as, writer's cramp; milker's cramp, etc.
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   Cramp bone, the patella of a sheep; -- formerly used as a
      charm for the cramp. --Halliwell. "He could turn cramp
      bones into chess men." --Dickens.

   Cramp ring, a ring formerly supposed to have virtue in
      averting or curing cramp, as having been consecrated by
      one of the kings of England on Good Friday.
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