n. [ L. retentum, fr. retentus, p. p. See Retain. ] That which is retained. Hickok. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. retentio: cf. F. rétention. See Retain. ] 1. The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The power of retaining; retentiveness. [ 1913 Webster ]

No woman's heart
So big, to hold so much; they lack retention. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which contains something, as a tablet; a &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; of preserving impressions. [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The act of withholding; retraint; reserve. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Place of custody or confinement. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Law) The right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien. Erskine. Craig. [ 1913 Webster ]

Retention cyst (Med.), a cyst produced by obstruction of a duct leading from a secreting organ and the consequent retention of the natural secretions. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. rétentif. ] Having power to retain; as, a retentive memory. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron,
Can be retentive to the strength of spirit. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. That which retains or confines; a restraint. [ R. ] Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a retentive manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being retentive. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The power of retaining; retentive force; as, the retentivity of a magnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L., a retainer. ] (Zool.) A muscle which serves to retain an organ or part in place, esp. when retracted. See Illust. of Phylactolemata. [ 1913 Webster ]