retain

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 restrain from departure, escape, or the like. “Thy shape invisible retain.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Be obedient, and retain
Unalterably firm his love entire. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor. [ 1913 Webster ]

A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To restrain; to prevent. [ Obs. ] Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To keep; hold; restrain. See Keep. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To belong; to pertain. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To keep; to continue; to remain. [ Obs. ] Donne. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being retained. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of retaining; retention. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, retains. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who is retained or kept in service; an attendant; an adherent; a hanger-on. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Hence, a servant, not a domestic, but occasionally attending and wearing his master's livery. Cowell. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law) (a) The act of a client by which he engages a lawyer or counselor to manage his cause. (b) The act of withholding what one has in his hands by virtue of some right. (c) A fee paid to engage a lawyer or counselor to maintain a cause, or to prevent his being employed by the opposing party in the case; -- called also retaining fee. Bouvier. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The act of keeping dependents, or the state of being in dependence. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]