Definitions for: Retain


[v] keep in one's mind; "I cannot retain so much information"
[v] as to represent; of legal counsel; "I'm retaining a lawyer"
[v] secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree"
[v] hold on to
[v] allow to remain in a place or position; "We cannot continue several servants any longer"; "She retains a lawyer"; "The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff"; "Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on"; "We kept the work going as long as we could"
[v] hold within; "This soil retains water"; "I retain this drug for a long time"



Webster (1913) Definition: Re*tain", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained; p. pr. & vb.
n. Retaining.] [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- +
tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a
bridle, Retention, Retinue.]
1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose,
part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape,
or the like. ``Thy shape invisibleretain.'' --Shak.

Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love
entire. --Milton.

An executor may retain a debt due to him from the
testator. --Blackstone.

2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to
hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.

A Benedictine convent has now retained the most
learned father of their order to write in its
defense. --Addison.

3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple.

Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any
movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place;
-- called also retain wall.

Syn: To keep; hold; retrain. See Keep.


Re*tain", v. i.
1. To belong; to pertain. [Obs.]

A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness.
--Boyle.

2. To keep; to continue; to remain. [Obs.] --Donne.

Synonyms: continue, engage, hold, hold back, keep, keep back, keep going, keep on

See Also: bear, carry, contain, employ, hire, hold, hold down, hold on, hold open, keep, keep open, keep up, prolong, remember, save, sustain, think of

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