Definition of distrain
Etymology
From ME. distreynen < OF. destraindre < L. distringere ("to pull asunder, stretch out, engage, hinder, molest, ML. also compel, coerce as by exacting a pledge by a fine or by imprisonment") < dis- ("apart") + stringere ("to draw tight, strain").
Pronunciation
Verb
to distrain (third-person singular simple present distrains, present participle distraining, simple past and past participle distrained)
- (law) To seize somebody's property in place of, or to force, payment of a debt.
Synonyms
Derived terms
- distrainable
- distrainee
- distrainer
- distrainment
- distrainor
- distraint
References:
- Wiktionary. Published under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
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