detainer

(dē tānər, di-)

noun

  1. a person or thing that detains
  2. Origin: Anglo-Fr detener, inf. used as n. < OFr detenir: see detain

    Law
    1. the unlawful withholding of land or goods from the rightful owner
    2. the detention of a person without the person's consent
    3. a writ for continuing to hold a person already in custody

See detainer in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A withholding from the rightful owner of property that has lawfully come into the possession of the current holder.
  2. The detention of a person, especially in custody.
  3. A writ authorizing the further detention of a person in custody, pending further action.

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