What is "astriction"

Astriction \As*tric"tion\, n. [L. astrictio.]

1. The act of binding; restriction; also, obligation.
   --Milton.

2. (Med.)

   1. A contraction of parts by applications; the action of an astringent substance on the animal economy.
      --Dunglison.

   2. Constipation.
      --Arbuthnot.

3. Astringency. [Obs.]
   --Bacon.

4. (Scots Law) An obligation to have the grain growing on certain lands ground at a certain mill, the owner paying a toll.
   --Bell.

   Note: The lands were said to be astricted to the mill.

1560s, from Latin astrictionem (nominative astrictio), noun of action from past participle stem of astringere (see astringent).

n. 1 The act of binding; restriction; obligation. 2 (context medicine English) A contraction of parts by applications; the action of an astringent substance. 3 (context obsolete English) constipation 4 (context obsolete English) astringency 5 (context legal Scotland historical English) An obligation to have the grain growing on certain lands grind at a certain mill, the owner paying a toll. (The lands were said to be ''astricted'' to the mill.)