Main Entry: re·tain

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈtān\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retinēre to hold back, restrain, from re- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

Date: 15th century

1 a : to keep in possession or use b : to keep in one's pay or service; specifically : to employ by paying a retainer c : to keep in mind or memory : remember
2 : to hold secure or intact

synonyms see keep