catflap.org Online Dictionary Query |
2 definitions found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 : [ gcide ]
Retain \Re*tain"\ (r[-e]*t[=a]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
Retained (r[-e]*t[=a]nd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.]
[F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold,
keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention,
Retinue.]
1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose,
part with, or dismiss; to restrain from departure, escape,
or the like. ``Thy shape invisible retain.'' --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Be obedient, and retain
Unalterably firm his love entire. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
An executor may retain a debt due to him from the
testator. --Blackstone.
[1913 Webster]
2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to
hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.
[1913 Webster]
A Benedictine convent has now retained the most
learned father of their order to write in its
defense. --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple.
[1913 Webster]
Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any
movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place;
-- called also retain wall.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To keep; hold; restrain. See Keep.
[1913 Webster]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) : [ web1913 ]
Retain \Re*tain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained; p. pr. & vb.
n. Retaining.] [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- +
tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a
bridle, Retention, Retinue.]
1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose,
part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape,
or the like. ``Thy shape invisibleretain.'' --Shak.
Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love
entire. --Milton.
An executor may retain a debt due to him from the
testator. --Blackstone.
2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to
hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.
A Benedictine convent has now retained the most
learned father of their order to write in its
defense. --Addison.
3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple.
Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any
movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place;
-- called also retain wall.
Syn: To keep; hold; retrain. See Keep.
Questions or comments about this site? Contact dictionary@catflap.org
Access Stats