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Distrain

 - 3 dictionary results

dis⋅train

  [di-streyn] Law.
Use Distrain in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
2. to levy a distress upon.
–verb (used without object)
3. to levy a distress.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME distreinen < AF, OF destreindre < L distringere to stretch out, equiv. to di- di- 2 + stringere to draw tight; see strain 1

Related forms:
dis⋅train⋅a⋅ble, adjective
dis⋅train⋅ee, noun
dis⋅train⋅ment, noun
dis⋅trai⋅nor, dis⋅train⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Distrain
dis·train   (dĭ-strān')   
v.   dis·trained, dis·train·ing, dis·trains Law

v.   tr.

  1. To seize and hold (property) to compel payment or reparation, as of debts.

  2. To seize the property of (a person) in order to compel payment of debts; distress.

v.   intr.
To levy a distress.

[Middle English distreinen, from Old French destreindre, destreign-, from Medieval Latin distringere, distrinct-, from Latin, to hinder : dis-, apart; see dis- + stringere, to draw tight; see streig- in Indo-European roots.]
dis·train'a·ble adj., dis·train'ment n., dis·trai'nor, dis·train'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: dis·train
Pronunciation: di-'strAn
Function: verb
Etymology: Anglo-French destreindre, literally, to constrict, force, from Old French, from Late Latin distringere to hinder, punish, from Latin, to pull in different directions, distract, from dis- apart + stringere to draw tight
transitive verb 1 : to force or compel to satisfy an obligation by means of a distress
2 : to seize by distress —compare ENTER intransitive verb : to levy a distress —dis·train·able adjective —dis·train·er /-'strA-n&r/ or dis·train·or /di-'strA-n&r, "dis-trA-'nOr/ noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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