straiten

They said, "O Sir, it is long betwixt meals, and we are in a starving condition; all is good, sweet and wholesome that you deliver; but why do you so straiten us?"

From Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies by Howie, John

I want you to consider what per cent you can pay, and not straiten yourselves too much.

From Hope Mills or, Between Friend and Sweetheart by Douglas, Amanda Minnie

No one can wish to straiten his chance of acquittal, or to inquire too curiously whether there be not a pretext for closing the door that now stands ajar.

From William Blake A Critical Essay by Swinburne, Algernon Charles

For indeed, Fate full of marvel is: If      fortune straiten thee one day, the next relief is nigh.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume I by Payne, John

I absolutely must reform, for I do not propose that my father shall straiten himself for me; and that is what will happen if I continue to lead the life I have been leading.

From San-Cravate; or, The Messengers; Little Streams by Kock, Charles Paul de