3 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Retain \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}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Retain \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.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
retain
v 1: hold on to [syn: {reserve}, {hold}]
2: hold within; "This soil retains water"; "I retain this drug
for a long time"
3: allow to remain in a place or position; "We cannot continue
several servants any longer" [syn: {continue}, {keep}, {keep
on}]
4: as to represent; of legal counsel; "I'm retaining a lawyer"
[syn: {engage}]
5: keep in one's possession [syn: {hold}, {keep back}, {hold
back}]
6: keep in one's mind; "I cannot retain so much information"
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Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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