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.
I sent him a final demand yesterday; if he doesn't pay up within the week, my orders are to distrain without further notice.
From Witching Hill by E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung
The parish constable, under whose care Wildgoose was, said, that of his own certain knowledge he was able to confirm the truth of his statement as to his having no goods to distrain.
From Christmas Stories by Edward Berens
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
Would not proceed to distrain without the justices’ permission.
From Bygone Cumberland and Westmorland by Daniel Scott
"Suppose, for instance, I were to say to you: my dear friend, I have fallen into quite an awkward predicament and to-day or to-morrow they will distrain upon me for 40,000 florins."
From The Poor Plutocrats by R. Nisbet (Robert Nisbet) Bain
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
