[hohld-out] 
| 1. | an act or instance of holding out. |
| 2. | a person who delays signing a contract in hopes of gaining more favorable terms: The basketball star was a holdout until they offered more money. |
| 3. | a person who declines to participate, cooperate, agree, etc.: Aside from one or two holdouts, everyone contributed. |
| hold·out (hōld'out') n. One that withholds agreement or consent upon which progress is contingent. |