detinue

noun

det·​i·​nue ˈde-tᵊn-ˌ(y)ü How to pronounce detinue (audio)
1
: a common-law action for the recovery of personal property wrongfully detained or of its value
2
: detention of something due
especially : the unlawful detention of personal property from another

Examples of detinue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Christopher Akpala, owner of the Uac Food Mart in the 900 block of Bennett Place in Harlem Park, filed the detinue — a legal claim to recover wrongfully seized property — in January, according to court records. Kevin Rector, baltimoresun.com, 15 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English detenewe, from Anglo-French detenue detention, from feminine of detenu, past participle of detenir to detain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detinue was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Detinue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detinue. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Legal Definition

detinue

noun
det·​i·​nue ˈdet-ᵊn-ˌü, -ˌyü How to pronounce detinue (audio)
: a common-law action for the recovery of personal property belonging to the plaintiff that is wrongfully detained by the defendant compare trover
Etymology

Anglo-French detenue, from feminine past participle of detenir to detain see detainer

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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