retainer

¹

[ 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

²

[ 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

/ 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 Words From

• re·tainer·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retainer¹

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

Origin of retainer²

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

Example Sentences

After all, it’s not uncommon for wealthy Americans to have lawyers on retainer, and many call their lawyers whenever their hearts desire.

From Time

Six in 10 clients have shortened deadlines on projects, and the average timeline of a client’s expectation has shrunk from more than a month to 2-4 weeks, while projects now outweigh retainer business by 55% to 45%.

From Digiday

I think that there’s always going to be a place for retainer contracts with agencies for bigger brands.

From Digiday

For freelancers on retainer, managing clients’ expectations while also staying within the bounds of the agreed upon job can be a delicate balance.

From Digiday

Asked by an agent whether he had legal representation, Hopkins said Project Veritas had a lawyer on retainer “in case there’s anything that happens.”

From Washington Post

Like any high-powered attorney who charges $100,000 for a retainer, Bolt always seems to be one step ahead of the competition.

From The Daily Beast

One of the perks offered by the challenge is help from a list of professionals the foundation will keep on retainer.

From The Daily Beast

McKesson pays its directors an annual cash retainer of $75,000.

From The Daily Beast

Is it worth it for these companies to keep stars and their keepers on retainer?

From The Daily Beast

"Very well," said the other, handing him a check for twenty-five dollars as a retainer, and straightway left the office.

From Project Gutenberg

It was very annoying—more than ever—to the Elder when he was required to put up twenty-five dollars in cash as a retainer.

From Project Gutenberg

He said with a touch of mock irony: "The sailor shall play his part—the obedient retainer of the house of Devlin."

From Project Gutenberg

His retainer fees are large; his work is exact; he is a man looked up to by those in the profession following a general practice.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the custom for each retainer to fit out his men according to his own taste, and at his own expense.

From Project Gutenberg