v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' t ā n
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retin ē re to hold back, restrain, from re- + ten ē re to hold ― more at THIN
Date: 15th century
1 a : to keep in possession or use b : to keep in one's pay or service specifically : to employ by paying a retainer c : to keep in mind or memory : REMEMBER
2 : to hold secure or intact
synonyms see KEEP