— obtainable , adj. — obtainability , n. — obtainer , n. — obtainment , n.
/euhb tayn"/ , v.t.
1. to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request: to obtain permission; to obtain a better income.
2. Obs. to attain or reach.
v.i.
3. to be prevalent, customary, or in vogue; prevail: the morals that obtained in Rome.
4. Archaic. to succeed.
[ 1375-1425; late ME obteinen obtenir obtinere to take hold of, equiv. to ob- OB- + -tinere (comb. form of tenere to hold) ]
Syn. 1. gain, achieve, earn, win, attain. See get .
Ant. 1. lose, forgo.