distrain

American  

[dih-streyn] / dɪˈstreɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.

2. to levy a distress upon.

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verb (used without object)

1. to levy a distress.

distrain British  

/ dɪˈstreɪn /

verb

1. law to seize (personal property) by way of distress

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Other Word Forms

• distrainable adjective
• distrainee noun
• distrainer noun
• distrainment noun
• distrainor noun
• undistrained adjective

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

Example Sentences

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 Berens, Edward

Distringas, dis-tring′gas, n. an old writ directing a sheriff or other officer to distrain.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

There his house was entered when he was conducting divine service; a warrant was obtained to distrain upon him for �40, when seven of his milch cows were taken and sold.

From Memorials of the Independent Churches in Northamptonshire with biographical notices of their pastors, and some account of the puritan ministers who laboured in the county. by Coleman, Thomas

Oh, quite so! he's going to distrain on him.

From His Masterpiece by Vizetelly, Ernest Alfred

"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 Bain, R. Nisbet (Robert Nisbet)