Retain (r&euptack_;tān), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained (r&euptack_;tānd); p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.] [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.] 1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to restrain from departure, escape, or the like. “Thy shape invisible retain.” Shak.
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Be obedient, and retain
Unalterably firm his love entire. Milton.
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An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. Blackstone.
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2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.
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A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. Addison.
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3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] Sir W. Temple.
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Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall.
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Syn. -- To keep; hold; restrain. See Keep.
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