- F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, RetentionRetinue
- To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to restrain from departure, escape, or the like.Thy shape invisibleretain.Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire.An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator.
- 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.
- To restrain; to prevent.ObsTo keep; hold; restrain. See Keep.
