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

British Dictionary definitions for distrainee (1 of 2)

distrainee
/ (ˌdɪstreɪˈniː) /

noun

law a person whose property has been seized by way of distraint

British Dictionary definitions for distrainee (2 of 2)

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