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:

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.