— detainable , adj. — detainment , n.
/di tayn"/ , v.t.
1. to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
2. to keep under restraint or in custody.
3. Obs. to keep back or withhold, as from a person.
[ 1480-90; detainen detenir detenire, for L detinere, equiv. to de- DE- + -tinere, comb. form of tenere to hold ]
Syn. 1. retard, stop, slow, stay, check.