restrained
adj/ɹɪˈstɹeɪnd/
1
Held back, limited, kept in check or under control.
- He greeted her for the first time in three years with a restrained embrace.
2
Obsolete Proscribed, restricted.
- Ha? fie, these filthy vices. It were as good To pardon him, that hath from nature stolne a man already made, as to remit Their sawcie sweetnes, that do coyne heauens Image In stamps that are forbid: 'tis all as easie, Falsely to take away a life true made, As to put mettle in restrained meanes To make a false one.c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iv], page 69, columns 1-2:
- Synonyms
- low-key, understated
- Derived terms
- nonrestrained, overrestrained, restrainedly, restrainedness, self-restrained