— distrainable , adj. — distrainee , n. — distrainment , n. — distrainor, distrainer , n.
/di strayn"/ , Law.
v.t.
1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
2. to levy a distress upon.
v.i.
3. to levy a distress.
[ 1250-1300; ME distreinen destreindre distringere to stretch out, equiv. to di- DI- 2 + stringere to draw tight; see STRAIN 1 ]