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retainer¹ Definition

re·tainer (ri tān′ər)

noun

  1. a person or thing that retains
  2. a person serving another, esp. someone of rank; servant, attendant, adherent, etc.
  3. any of several devices used to retain; specif.,
    1. a groove, frame, etc. within which roller bearings are held
    2. a device designed to hold teeth in position after they have been adjusted by orthodontics

retainer² Definition

re·tainer (ri tān′ər)

noun

  1. the act of engaging the services of a lawyer, consultant, etc.
  2. a fee paid in advance to make such services available when needed

Etymology: ME reteyner: see retain & -er, sense

retainer² Idioms

on retainer

hired, engaged, etc. by a retainer (sense ): said as of a lawyer

retainer Synonyms

retainer

n.

  1. A person who serves another

    attendant, lackey, valet; see attendant, servant.

  2. A fee paid to engage services

    advance, deposit, money up front; see payment 2.

retainer Law Definition

n

A sum of money paid in advance to a professional in order to secure services in a particular case; a client’s authorization for a lawyer’s representation in a case. See also attorney’s fees.
retainer Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • pay: You would probably have to pay a retainer of 25 % of the agreed fee.
  • require: The financial considerations are similar to group ownership; it might also require a retainer from participating practices.
  • charge: Upfront charges don't have to be abolished to charge an ongoing retainer to the client.

Adjective modifier

  • faithful: Having had the same happen to poor old Bingo last year, the feeling is much the same -- a faithful old retainer despatched.
  • loyal: The narrator is a sickly and middle-aged man called ' je ' attended by a very loyal family retainer called Celeste.
  • monthly: Maybe they will agree to a reduced rate in return for a monthly retainer.
  • annual: Subsequent support for the system may be contracted for on either an annual retainer or on an ad-hoc basis.
  • old: The aged owner, a Baron, was living in a part of the castle with some old retainers.

Modifies a noun

  • deposit: Payment of your retainer deposit can be made on-line by clicking here.
  • fee: Can a summer retainer fee be split over 12 months or 52 weeks?
  • doctor: In many regions only practices of training standard can have retainer scheme doctors.
  • scheme: Others offer a retainer scheme where you pay a fee to keep a place open for your baby.
  • basis: Some bands retain the services of PR on a retainer basis.
  • and/or: Spring ball socket retainer and/or drilled head to accept retaining pin where applicable.

Noun used with modifier

  • socket: Spring ball socket retainer and drilled head to accept retaining pin where applicable.
  • spring: Hole for ball retainer in the 1/2 " female end and a spring ball retainer in the 3/8 " male end.
  • GP: Two of the partners are full time, five have reduced commitment and the practice employs a female GP Retainer.
  • ball: Hole for ball retainer in the 1/2 " female end and a spring ball retainer in the 3/8 " male end.
  • door: This door retainer can also be released manually via a release button.
  • summer: Can a summer retainer fee be split over 12 months or 52 weeks?