Category:Retain

Re*tain", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained; p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.] Etym: [f. retainir, l. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, Keep. See tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, retention, retinue.]

1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part With, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape, or the like. "thy shape invisibleretain." Shak. Be obedient, and retain unalterably firm his love entire. Milton. An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. Blackstone.

2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to Engage; as, to retain a counselor. A benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of Their order to write in its defense. Addison.

3. To restrain; to prevent. [obs.] Sir w. Temple. Retaining wall (arch. & engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank Of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall.

Syn. -- to keep; hold; retrain. See keep.

Retain Re*tain", v. i.

1. To belong; to pertain. [obs.] A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness. Boyle.

2. To keep; to continue; to remain. [obs.] Donne.