distrain

verb dis·train \ di-ˈstrān \

Definition of distrain

transitive verb

1 : to force or compel to satisfy an obligation by means of a distress

2 : to seize by distress

intransitive verb

: to levy a distress

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distrainable

play \-ˈstrā-nə-bəl\ adjective

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distrainer

play \-ˈstrā-nər\ or less commonly distrainor play \-ˈstrā-nər, -ˌstrā-ˈnȯr\ noun

Origin and Etymology of distrain

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Law Dictionary

distrain

verb dis·train \ di-ˈstrān \

legal Definition of distrain

transitive verb

1 : to force or compel to satisfy an obligation by means of a distress

2 : to seize by distress — compare enter

intransitive verb

: to levy a distress

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distrainable

adjective

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distrainer

play \-ˈstrā-nər\ or distrainor \di-ˈstrā-nər, ˌdis-trā-ˈnōr\ noun

Origin and Etymology of distrain

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