distrain Hear it!

distrain definition

dis·train (di strān′)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

Law to seize and hold (property) as security or indemnity for a debt

Etymology: ME distreinen < OFr destreindre < ML distringere, to force by seizure of goods < L, to pull asunder, detain < dis-, apart + stringere, to draw tight, stretch: see strict

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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