that which confines or contracts; a restraint; a shackle; a hindrance.-a device, usually of iron bent at the ends, used to hold together blocks of stone, timbers, etc.; a cramp iron.-a rectangular frame, with a tightening screw, used for compressing the joints of framework, etc.-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.-a spasmodic and painful involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles, as of the leg.-to compress; to restrain from free action; to confine and contract; to hinder.-to fasten or hold with, or as with, a cramp.-to bind together; to unite.-to form on a cramp; as, to cramp boot legs.-to afflict with cramp.-knotty; difficult.