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

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 English Songs and Ballads by Crosland, T. W. H. (Thomas William Hodgson)

Accounts were hardly ever shown by the commissioners, and if a proprietor refused to pay the sums levied they were empowered to distrain immediately.

From A Short History of English Agriculture by Curtler, W. H. R. (William Henry Ricketts)

"After an abortive attempt to recover the sum by distrain" says Mr Turton, it "resulted in an appeal to the Earl of Surrey, and Sir Roger was compelled to pay it himself."

From The Evolution of an English Town by Home, Gordon

"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)

If a landlord distrain for rent, he can find no bidders for the crops or cattle; how much more difficult will it be for him to obtain bidders for land?

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 55, No. 343, May 1844 by Various