retainer

¹ American  

[ri-tey-ner] / rɪˈteɪ nər /

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 American  

[ri-tey-ner] / rɪˈteɪ nər /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of retainer¹

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

Origin of retainer¹

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

Example Sentences

These are common in personal injury cases, because the clients often don’t have the wherewithal to pay a lawyer’s retainer fee in advance.

From Los Angeles Times

In September, ABC 7 reported that two families were suing a contractor who promised to handle their entire rebuilds, but disappeared after receiving retainer payouts of $33,678 from each family.

From Los Angeles Times

Subscription and retainer models offer another path forward, providing clients with ongoing access to expertise and capabilities for a fixed periodic fee.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal