distrain

[ dih-streyn ]

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)
  1. to levy a distress.

Origin of distrain

1
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

Other 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
  1. law to seize (personal property) by way of distress

Origin of distrain

1
C13: 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