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

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

See Examples For:

distrain

No constable shall distrain any knight to give money for castle-guard, if he himself will do it in his person, or by another able man, in case he cannot do it through any reasonable cause.

From Civil Government in the United States Considered with Some Reference to Its Origins by Fiske, John

Both give the tenant a permanent interest, being leases forever, reserving annual rent, with the right to distrain and covenants of re-entry.

From The Chainbearer Or, The Littlepage Manuscripts by Cooper, James Fenimore

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)

At last I lost patience, and determined to distrain.

From Ireland as It Is And as It Would be Under Home Rule by Buckley, Robert John

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 Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William)