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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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
First Known Use: 14th century
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Law Dictionary
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
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