Dictionary entries for 'distrain'

dis·train (dĭ-strāń)

[Middle English distreinen, from Old French destreindre, destreign-, from Medieval Latin distringere, distrinct-, from Latin, to hinder, dis-, apart; see dis–, + stringere, to draw tight.]

verb: -trained, -train·ing, -trains.

Law

transitive verb

To seize and hold (property) to compel payment or reparation, as of debts.
To seize the property of (a person) in order to compel payment of debts; distress.

intransitive verb

To levy a distress.

derivatives

dis·traińa·ble: adjective
dis·traińment: noun
dis·traínor: noun

verb: -trained, -train·ing, -trains.

transitive verb

intransitive verb

derivatives

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition