- Retaining
- 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.