Hamstring \Ham"string`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Hamstrung}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Hamstringing}. See {String}.] To lame or disable by cutting the tendons of the ham or knee; to hough; hence, to cripple; to incapacitate; to disable. So have they hamstrung the valor of the subject by seeking to effeminate us all at home. --Milton.