a. [ad. L. constrictīv-us (also in 16th c. F. constrictif, Paré), f. constrict- ppl. stem of constringĕre + -IVE.]
1. Of, pertaining to, or characterized by constriction; that tends to compress tightly.
1578. Banister, Hist. Man, V. 70. By the constrictiue force it vseth it doth complect the whole.
1655. H. More, Antid. Ath. (1662), 185. If a Spirit use his Agitative power moderately and his Constrictive forcibly enough to feel solid or palpable to that man or woman.
1844. T. J. Graham, Dom. Med., 277. This [Breast-pang] is an acute constrictive pain about the breast-bone.
1889. Pall Mall G., 26 Sept., 7/2. Neither the boa nor the anaconda is venomous, but their constrictive powers render them terrible adversaries.
2. = CONSTRINGENT.
1533. Elyot, Cast. Helthe (1541), 26 b. Medlars ar cold and dry, and constrictife or straininge the stomake.
1656. in Blount, Glossogr.
1882. Syd. Soc. Lex., Constrictive, capable of binding together; styptic; astringent.