Procrustean string

programming A fixed-length string. If a string value is

too long for the allocated space, it is truncated to fit; and

if it is shorter, the empty space is padded, usually with

space characters.

This is an allusion to Procrustes, a legendary robber of ancient

Attica. He bound his victims to a bed, and if they were shorter

than the bed, he stretched their limbs until they would fit; if

their limbs were longer, he lopped them off.

(1997-09-12)