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; strain ¹

Example Sentences

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

Nor could we with any propriety distrain on one of a poor woman's legs!

From A Labrador Doctor The Autobiography of Wilfred Thomason Grenfell by Grenfell, Wilfred Thomason, Sir

No more their rent-days they may keep, nor agents harsh distrain, The widow need no longer weep, for over is their reign.

From The Reminiscences of an Irish Land Agent by Gordon, Home, Sir, Bart.

He describes the interior of a cottage like a person sent there to distrain for rent.

From Lectures on the English Poets Delivered at the Surrey Institution by Waller, Alfred Rayney

When the mayor ordered the sheriffs to distrain they refused on the plea that it was the mayor's business, not theirs.

From London and the Kingdom - Volume II by Sharpe, Reginald R. (Reginald Robinson)