Distrain

[dis'trein]

Definition

(verb.) legally take something in place of a debt payment.

(verb.) confiscate by distress.

(verb.) levy a distress on.

Checked by Candy--From WordNet

Definition

(v. t.) To press heavily upon; to bear down upon with violence; hence, to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress, torment, or afflict.

(v. t.) To rend; to tear.

(v. t.) To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement.

(v. t.) To subject to distress; to coerce; as, to distrain a person by his goods and chattels.

(v. i.) To levy a distress.

Checker: Sheena

Synonyms and Synonymous

v. a. (Law.) Seize (for debt), take, attach, distress.

Typist: Thaddeus

Definition

v.t. to seize esp. goods for debt esp. for non-payment of rent or rates.—v.i. to seize the goods of a debtor.—adj. Distrain′able.—ns. Distrain′ment; Distrain′or Distrain′er; Distraint′ seizure of goods.

Edited by Cary