restraint -
n. 1 the act or an instance of restraining or being restrained.
2 a stoppage; a check; a controlling agency or influence.
3 a self-control; avoidance of excess or exaggeration. b austerity of literary
expression.
4 reserve of manner.
5
confinement,
esp. because of insanity.
6 something which restrains or holds in check.
in restraint of in order to restrain. restraint of trade action seeking to interfere with free-market conditions. [ME f. OF restreinte fem. past part. of restreindre: see RESTRAIN]
