distrained; distraining; distrains
1
: to force or compel to satisfy an obligation by means of a distress
2
: to seize by distress
: to levy a distress
Word History
Etymology
Middle English distreynen, from Anglo-French destreindre, from Medieval Latin distringere, from Latin, to draw apart, detain, from dis- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of distrain was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near distrain
Cite this Entry
“Distrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distrain. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Legal Definition
Etymology
Anglo-French destreindre, literally, to constrict, force, from Old French, from Late Latin distringere to hinder, punish, from Latin, to pull in different directions, distract, from dis- apart + stringere to draw tight
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share