[re.tain.er] n (1540) 1 a: a person attached or owing service to a household; esp: servant b: employee
2: one that retains
3: any of various devices used for holding something
[2]retainer n [ME reteiner act of withholding, fr. reteinen + AF -er (as in weyver waiver)] (1775) 1: the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser are engaged
2: a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed