distress signal

:  seizure and detention of the goods of another as pledge (see ¹pledge 1) or to obtain satisfaction of a claim by the sale of the goods seized

:  something that is distrained

:  pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind :  trouble

:  to subject to great strain or difficulties

:  to force or overcome by inflicting pain

:  to cause to worry or be troubled :  upset

:  offered for sale at a loss

:  involving distress goods

:  sign, indication

:  an act, event, or watchword that has been agreed on as the occasion of concerted action

:  something that incites to action

:  to notify by a signal

:  to communicate or indicate by or as if by signals

:  to constitute a characteristic feature of (a meaningful linguistic form)

:  distinguished from the ordinary :  notable