WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Re*tain"
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.]
Definition : 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.

t. [imp. & p. p. Retained; p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Re*tain"
Part of Speech : v.
Definition : 1. To belong; to pertain. [Obs.] A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness. Boyle.

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

i.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913