from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Attorn \At*torn"\, v. i. [OF. atorner, aturner, atourner, to
direct, prepare, dispose, attorn (cf. OE. atornen to return,
adorn); [`a] (L. ad) + torner to turn; cf. LL. attornare to
commit business to another, to attorn; ad + tornare to turn,
L. tornare to turn in a lathe, to round off. See {Turn}, v.
t.]
1. (Feudal Law) To turn, or transfer homage and service, from
one lord to another. This is the act of feudatories,
vassals, or tenants, upon the alienation of the estate.
--Blackstone.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Modern Law) To agree to become tenant to one to whom
reversion has been granted.
[1913 Webster]