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