distrain
[ dih-streyn ]
verb (used with object)
to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
to levy a distress upon.
verb (used without object)
to levy a distress.
Origin of distrain
1Other words from distrain
- dis·train·a·ble, adjective
- dis·train·ee, noun
- dis·train·ment, noun
- dis·trai·nor, dis·train·er, noun
- un·dis·trained, adjective
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British Dictionary definitions for distrain
distrain
/ (dɪˈstreɪn) /
verb
law to seize (personal property) by way of distress
Origin of distrain
1C13: from Old French destreindre, from Latin distringere to impede, from dis- 1 + stringere to draw tight
Derived forms of distrain
- distrainable, adjective
- distrainment, noun
- distrainor or distrainer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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