holdout n 1: a negotiator who hopes to gain concessions by refusing to come to terms; "their star pitcher was a holdout for six weeks" 2: a refusal by a negotiator to come to terms in the hope of obtaining a better deal 3: the act of hiding playing cards in a gambling game so they are available for personal use later
holdout \holdout\ n. 1. a negotiator who hopes to gain concessions by refusing to come to terms after most other participants have signed an agreement; as, their star pitcher was a holdout for six weeks. [WordNet 1.5] 2. a refusal by a negotiator to come to terms in the hope of obtaining a better deal. [WordNet 1.5] 3. the act of hiding playing cards in a gambling game so they are available for personal use later. [WordNet 1.5]