distrain
Americanverb (used with object)
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to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
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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 can believe, it shall you grieve, And somewhat you distrain; But afterward, your paines hard, Within a day or twain, Shall soon aslake; and ye shall take Comfort to you again."
From Faith Gartney's Girlhood by Whitney, A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train)
Would not proceed to distrain without the justices’ permission.
From Bygone Cumberland and Westmorland by Scott, Daniel
Oh, quite so! he's going to distrain on him.
From His Masterpiece by Vizetelly, Ernest Alfred
The landlord can at any time distrain for his rent; what object, then, would he have in incurring expense, and encountering delay, to procure a decree, which, when obtained, would only restrict his former power?
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 55, No. 343, May 1844 by Various
I won't ask a rack rent, I promise you, and I suppose I could distrain on these tea things and the kettle if it were not paid up.
From Bosom Friends A Seaside Story by Brazil, Angela
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.
