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distraining |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Distrain \Dis*train"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Distrained}; p. pr & vb n. {Distraining}.] [OE. destreinen to force, OF destreindre to press, oppress, force, fr L. distringere districtum to draw asunder, hinder, molest, LL., to punish severely; di- = stringere to draw tight, press together. See {Strain}, and cf {Distress}, {District}, {Distraint}.] 1. To press heavily upon to bear down upon with violence; hence to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress, torment, or afflict. [Obs.] ``Distrained with chains.'' --Chaucer. 2. To rend; to tear. [Obs.] Neither guile nor force might it [a net] distrain. --Spenser. 3. (Law) a To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done etc.; to take by distress; as to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement. b To subject to distress; to coerce; as to distrain a person by his goods and chattels.
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