v. dis·trained, dis·train·ing, dis·trains Law v.tr. 1. To seize and hold (property) to compel payment or reparation, as of debts. 2. To seize the property of (a person) in order to compel payment of debts; distress. v.intr. To levy a distress. [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; see streig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] dis·traina·ble adj. dis·trainment n. dis·trainor, dis·trainer n. |
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