Retention (?), n. [L. retentio: cf. F. rétention. See Retain.] 1. The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined.
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2. The power of retaining; retentiveness.
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No woman's heart
So big, to hold so much; they lack retention. Shak.
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3. That which contains something, as a tablet; a &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; of preserving impressions. [R.] Shak.
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4. The act of withholding; retraint; reserve. Shak.
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5. Place of custody or confinement.
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6. (Law) The right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien. Erskine. Craig.
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Retention cyst (Med.), a cyst produced by obstruction of a duct leading from a secreting organ and the consequent retention of the natural secretions.
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