Category:Retention

Re*ten"tion, n. Etym: [l. retentio: cf. F. rétention. See retain.]

1. The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined.

2. The power of retaining; retentiveness. No woman's heart so big, to hold so much; they lack retention. Shak.

3. That which contains something, as a tablet; a [r.] Shak.

4. The act of withholding; retraint; reserve. Shak.

5. Place of custody or confinement.

6. (law)

Defn: the right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until A debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien. Erskine. Craig. Retention cyst (med.), a cyst produced by obstruction Of a duct leading from a secreting organ and the consequent retention Of the natural secretions.