retain wall

retain wall
Retain Re*tain" (r[-e]*t[=a]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retained} (r[-e]*t[=a]nd"); 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. [1913 Webster]

Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]

2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor. [1913 Webster]

A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple. [1913 Webster]

{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}. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To keep; hold; restrain. See {Keep}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Retain — Re*tain (r[ e]*t[=a]n ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retained} (r[ e]*t[=a]nd ); 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • wall — less, adj. wall like, adj. /wawl/, n. 1. any of various permanent upright constructions having a length much greater than the thickness and presenting a continuous surface except where pierced by doors, windows, etc.: used for shelter, protection …   Universalium

  • Retaining wall — Retain Re*tain (r[ e]*t[=a]n ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retained} (r[ e]*t[=a]nd ); 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.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • retain — v.tr. 1 a keep possession of; not lose; continue to have, practise, or recognize. b not abolish, discard, or alter. 2 keep in one s memory. 3 keep in place; hold fixed. 4 secure the services of (a person, esp. a barrister) with a preliminary… …   Useful english dictionary

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  • fire wall — noun 1. : a wall to prevent the spread of fire usually made of noncombustible materials; especially : a wall completely separating two parts of a building from the basement to three feet above the roof and consisting of fire resistive material… …   Useful english dictionary

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