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retaining |
2 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 WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: retaining adj : designed for (usually temporary) retention; "a holding pen"; "a retaining wall" [syn: {holding}]
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