distrain

[ dih-streyn ]
/ dɪˈstreɪn /
Law.

verb (used with object)

to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
to levy a distress upon.

verb (used without object)

to levy a distress.

Origin of distrain

1250–1300; Middle English distreinen < Anglo-French, Old French destreindre < Latin distringere to stretch out, equivalent to di- di-2 + stringere to draw tight; see strain1

OTHER WORDS FROM distrain

Words nearby distrain

distractibility, distraction, distractive, distractor, distrail, distrain, distrainee, distraint, distrait, distraite, distraught

Example sentences from the Web for distrain

British Dictionary definitions for distrain

distrain
/ (dɪˈstreɪn) /

verb

law to seize (personal property) by way of distress

Derived forms of distrain

distrainable, adjective distrainment, noun distrainor or distrainer, noun

Word Origin for distrain

C13: from Old French destreindre, from Latin distringere to impede, from dis- 1 + stringere to draw tight