distrain
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:
- distrainable dis·train′·able adjective
- distrainer dis·train′er noun or distrainor dis·trai′·nor
distrain
Law Definition
v
To seize personal property
of an individual, typically a tenant, to compel the performance of an
obligation, such as the payment of rent. See also distress.
distrain
Usage Examples
Preposition: upon
- good: This is sometimes called levying distress or distraining upon goods.
Modifying Another Word
- validly: The courts have accepted that goods may be validly distrained in this way.
- unjustly: They appeared and said that they were unjustly distrained, because they were under the authority and Hanse of Almaine.
Followed by an intransitive particle
- upon: Only the goods of the person assessed to pay rates can be distrained upon.
Browse dictionary entries near distrain
- distractive
- distraction
- distractingly
- distracting
- distractible
- distractedly
- distracted
- distract
- distr
- distortional
- distrainable
- distrainee
- distrainer
- distrainor
- distraint
- distrait
- distraught
- distress
- distressed
- distressful
