Main Entry:

lien

Pronunciation:

\ˈlēn, ˈlē-ən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Anglo-French lien, loyen bond, restraint, from Latin ligamen, from ligare to bind — more at ligature

Date:

1531

1 : a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law 2 : the security interest created by a mortgage