strait
Cross references: 1. juncture 1. strait \'stra-t\ aj [ME, fr. OF extreit, fr. L strictus strait, strict - more at S]TRICT archaic 1a: NARROW 1b: RESTRICTED 1c: closely fitting : CONSTRICTED, TIGHT archaic 2: STRICT, RIGOROUS 3a: DISTRESSFUL, DIFFICULT 3b: LIMITED, STRAITENED - strait.ly av 2. strait av obs : CLOSELY, TIGHTLY 3. strait n archaic 1a: a narrow space or passage 1b: a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water - often used in pl. but sing. in constr. 1c: ISTHMUS 2: a situation of perplexity or distress : DIFFICULTY, NEED -m often used in pl.
Webster's English Dictionary