CRAMP

Spasmodic or involuntary contraction of some of the muscles, often attended with great pain; it is common in the muscles of the leg and foot, especially after any extraordinary exertion of them, and is sometimes brought on apparently by irritation in the stomach of indigestible food. "When cramp seizes the calf of tlie leg, it usually goes off upon placing the limb in an erect posture and rubbing the affected part: those subject to it find much relief by applying opiate liniments. If it arises from indigestion, or from indulgence in acescent drinks or champagne, mild bitters with magnesia, taken at bed time, will generally prevent its recurrence. Champ. (Dutch kramp.) In Architecture, a piece of metal, bent or dovetailed at each end, for the purpose of holding two blocks of any material firmly together. [s. 311]