— retainable , adj. — retainability, retainableness , n. — retainment , n.
/ri tayn"/ , v.t.
1. to keep possession of.
2. to continue to use, practice, etc.: to retain an old custom.
3. to continue to hold or have: to retain a prisoner in custody; a cloth that retains its color.
4. to keep in mind; remember.
5. to hold in place or position.
6. to engage, esp. by payment of a preliminary fee: to retain a lawyer.
[ 1350-1400; ME reteinen retenir retinere to hold back, hold fast, equiv. to re- RE- + -tinere, comb. form of tenere to hold ]
Syn. 1. hold, preserve. See keep .
Ant. 1. loose, lose. 4. forget.