Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Straining · Strain·ing · IPA /strˈeɪnɪŋ/ 01 a. & n. a. & n. from Strain. 1. a. & n. from Strain. See: Strain Phrases & compounds Straining piece — a short piece of timber in a truss, used to maintain the ends of struts or rafters, and keep them from slipping. See Illust. of Queen-post.