straiten

Husb.—It is very kind in you, my dear, and I must always acknowledge it; but, however, I would not have you straiten yourself too much neither.

From The Complete English Tradesman (1839 ed.) by Daniel Defoe

But really when I saw so much goodness, generosity, tenderness, and real honesty, I had not the heart to accept it, for fear he should straiten himself upon my account.

From The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801) by Daniel Defoe

Hatsell, Baron—Mr. Cowper, I would not have you straiten yourself, but only ask those questions that are pertinent.

From State Trials Vol. 2 (of 2) Political and Social by Various

Harden, at the same time, with a body of mounted militia, had it in charge to straiten the enemy upon the Edisto.

From The Life of Francis Marion by William Gilmore Simms

Las Torres therefore determined to seize these places, which were distant about fifteen miles from his camp, and so to straiten the town for provisions.

From The Bravest of the Brave — or, with Peterborough in Spain by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty