RETAINER

I. noun Date: 1540 1. a person attached or owing service to a household, employee , one that retains, a device or structure that holds something in place: as, the part of a dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth, a dental appliance used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment, II. noun Etymology: Middle English reteigner, literally, retention, from Anglo-French, from reteigner, verb Date: 1775 the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser are engaged, a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed