distrainor

dis·train   (dĭ-strān')    v.   dis·trained, dis·train·ing, dis·trains Law v.   tr. To seize and hold (property) to compel payment or reparation, as of debts. 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.

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