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.
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.
Hear it pronounced