distrain
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
-
to levy a distress upon.
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
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
Vocabulary lists containing distrain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Oh, quite so! he's going to distrain on him.
From His Masterpiece by Ernest Alfred Vizetelly
If a tenant is past due his rent, the lord may distrain his beasts which are on the land.
From Our Legal Heritage June 2011 (Sixth) Edition by S. A. Reilly
After which the visitor informed Hirschler that he had come to distrain.
From An Englishman in Paris Notes and Recollections by Albert D.
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 E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung
The tithe-gatherers would be out to distrain in a particular parish, and find loads of the humble chattels, which they meant to seize, already carted over the boundary into the next parish.
From The Romance of a Pro-Consul Being The Personal Life And Memoirs Of The Right Hon. Sir George Grey, K.C.B. by James Milne
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
