Dictionary entry

Detention

Webster's Dictionary 1913

De‐ten″tion (?), n. [L. detentio: cf. F. détention. See Detain.] 1. The act of detaining or keeping back; a withholding.

2. The state of being detained (stopped or hindered); delay from necessity.

3. Confinement; restraint; custody.

The archduke Philip... found himself in a sort of honorable detention at Henry's court. Hallam.