distraint

This morning a letter has arrived, threatening a distraint upon our goods unless a large sum of money be paid by to-morrow.

There was a poor woman who kept a shop, and she was threatened with a distraint for her poor-rate.

On the house and property a distraint had been levied for moneys due which had not been paid.

If he failed to pay his rent, however excessive, his property was rendered liable to distraint and his person to imprisonment.