What is "obstipation"

Obstipation \Ob`sti*pa"tion\, n. [L. obstipatio a close pressure; ob (see Ob-) + stipare to press.]

1. The act of stopping up, as a passage. [Obs.]
   --Bailey.

2. (Med.) Extreme constipation. [Obs.]
   --Hooper.

1590s, from Latin obstipationem (nominative obstipatio), noun of action from *obstipare "action of blocking or stopping up," from ob- (see ob-) + stipare "to press together, to pack" (see stiff (adj.)).

n. severe constipation caused by intestinal obstruction

n. severe constipation resulting from an obstruction in the intestines