distrain
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
-
to levy a distress upon.
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of distrain
1250–1300; Middle English distreinen < Anglo-French, Old French destreindre < Latin distringere to stretch out, equivalent to di- di- 2 + stringere to draw tight; see strain 1
Vocabulary lists containing distrain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The tithe-gatherers would be out to distrain in a particular parish, and find loads of the humble chattels, which they meant to seize, already carted over the boundary into the next parish.
From The Romance of a Pro-Consul Being The Personal Life And Memoirs Of The Right Hon. Sir George Grey, K.C.B. by James Milne
After which the visitor informed Hirschler that he had come to distrain.
From An Englishman in Paris Notes and Recollections by Albert D.
When the landlord wishes to distrain, after waiting seven years or so, he has to get a decree.
From Ireland as It Is And as It Would be Under Home Rule by Robert John Buckley
To distrain a debtor was illegal; any personal assault, however trifling, was sacrilege.
From Ancient Art and Ritual by Jane Ellen Harrison
Both give the tenant a permanent interest, being leases forever, reserving annual rent, with the right to distrain and covenants of re-entry.
From The Chainbearer Or, The Littlepage Manuscripts by James Fenimore Cooper
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
