Detinue Definition

dĕtn-o͝o, -yo͝o
noun
An action or writ for the recovery of property unlawfully detained, as in a pawnshop.
Webster's New World
The unlawful detention of personal property which originally was rightfully acquired.
Webster's New World
The writ authorizing such action.
American Heritage
At common law, an action to recover personal property wrongly held by another.
Webster's New World Law

A person or thing detained; a detainee.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Detinue

Noun

Singular:
detinue
Plural:
detinues

Origin of Detinue

  • Middle English detenue from Old French detention from feminine past participle of detenir to detain detain

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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