distrain
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; Middle English distreinen < Anglo-French, Old French destreindre < Latin distringere to stretch out, equivalent to di- di-2 + stringere to draw tight; see strain1
1250–1300; Middle English distreinen < Anglo-French, Old French destreindre < Latin distringere to stretch out, equivalent to di- di-2 + stringere to draw tight; see strain1
Related forms
dis·train·a·ble, adjective
dis·train·ee, noun
dis·train·ment, noun
dis·trai·nor, dis·train·er, noun
un·dis·trained, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To distrain
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Distrain
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| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
| chat, to converse |
Collins
World English Dictionary
distrain (dɪˈstreɪn) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| law to seize (personal property) by way of distress | |
| [C13: from Old French destreindre, from Latin distringere to impede, from | |
| dis'trainable | |
| —adj | |
| dis'trainment | |
| —n | |
| dis'trainor | |
| —n | |
| dis'trainer | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Example sentences
The sheriff can distrain or attach funds owed to the delinquent taxpayer.
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