retainer

¹

[ri-tey-ner]

noun

1. the act of retaining in one's service.

2. the fact of being so retained.

3. a fee paid to secure services, as of a lawyer.

retainer

²

[ri-tey-ner]

noun

1. a person or thing that retains.

2. a servant or attendant who has served a family for many years.

3. Also called cage, separator. Machinery.,  a ring separating, and moving with, balls or rollers in a bearing.

4. Orthodontics.

   1. a fixed or removable device worn in the mouth to hold the teeth in their new position during the adaptive period after straightening appliances have been removed.

   2. Prosthodontics.,  a part on a bridge or the like by which the bridge is attached to the natural teeth.

retainer

/ rɪˈteɪnə /

noun

1. history a supporter or dependant of a person of rank, esp a soldier

2. a servant, esp one who has been with a family for a long time

3. a clip, frame, or similar device that prevents a part of a machine, engine, etc, from moving

4. a dental appliance for holding a loose tooth or prosthetic device in position

5. a fee paid in advance to secure first option on the services of a barrister, jockey, etc

6. a reduced rent paid for a flat, room, etc, during absence to reserve it for future use

Other Word Forms

• retainership noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retainer¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English reteinir, probably noun use of Middle French retenir ; retain

Origin of retainer²

First recorded in 1530–40; retain + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Having been absent for 20 years, he fears—and rightly—that he will be unrecognizable to family, retainers, and countrymen.

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Without having proxy advisers on retainer, annual meetings are dominated by those who do: asset managers and activist investors.

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His company generates leads for law firms and is compensated with a flat fee or a monthly retainer from the firms.

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The firm will get nearly half the payout for each client, per retainer agreements viewed by The Times.

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I’m already worried my favorite scent, Jazz Club, which sells at mainstream mall retainers, has become too well known.

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