Stricture

noun

1. (usually in plural) a rule restricting behaviour or action

   "For them, parity is less an ultimate goal than a transitory and permissive springboard for testing Western resolve and pursuing whatever additional accretions of strategic power the strictures of SALT and American tolerance will allow."

2. A general state of restrictiveness on behavior, action, or ideology

   "I just couldn't take the stricture of that place a single day more."

3. A sternly critical remark or review
4. Abnormal narrowing of a canal or duct in the body
5. Strictness