Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPRAIN, v.t. [probably Sw. språnga; to break or loosen; Dan. sprenger, to spring, to burst or crack; or from the same root.]

To weaken the motive power of a part by sudden and excessive exertion; to overstrain the muscles or ligaments of a joint; to stretch the muscles or ligaments so as to injure them, but without luxation or dislocation. – Gay. Encyc.