from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Retain \Re*tain"\ (r[-e]*t[=a]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Retained} (r[-e]*t[=a]nd"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Retaining}.]
[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 restrain from departure, escape,
or the like. "Thy shape invisible retain." --Shak.
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Be obedient, and retain
Unalterably firm his love entire. --Milton.
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An executor may retain a debt due to him from the
testator. --Blackstone.
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2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to
hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.
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A Benedictine convent has now retained the most
learned father of their order to write in its
defense. --Addison.
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3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple.
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{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}.
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Syn: To keep; hold; restrain. See {Keep}.
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