to hold together that is to compress (the ears with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively to compel perplex: afflict preoccupy

1. to hold together

a. any whole, lest it fall to pieces or something fall away from it

2. to hold together with constraint, to compress

a. to press together with the hand

b. to hold one's ears, to shut the heavens that it may not rain

c. to press on every side

1. of a besieged city

2. of a strait, that forces a ship into a narrow channel

3. of a cattle squeeze, that pushing in on each side, forcing the beast into a position where it cannot move so the farmer can administer medication

3. to hold completely

a. to hold fast

1. of a prisoner

b. metaph.

1. to be held by, closely occupied with any business

2. in teaching the word

3. to constrain, oppress, of ills laying hold of one and distressing him

4. to be held with, afflicted with, suffering from

5. to urge, impel 3b

4. of the soul