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distraining
1 dictionary results for: Distraining
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
dis·train       (dĭ-strān')  Pronunciation Key 
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.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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