Re‐tain″ (rē̍‐tān″), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Retained (–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.
Be obedient, and retain
Unalterably firm his love entire. Milton.
An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. Blackstone.
2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.
A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. Addison.
3. To restrain; to prevent. Sir W. Temple.
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.
Syn. — To keep; hold; restrain. See Keep.