Retain
Retain (re*tān") , transitive verb
[French retainir, Latin retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and compare Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.]
1.
To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to restrain from departure, escape, or the like.
Thy shape invisible retain.
Be obedient, and retain
Unalterably firm his love entire.
An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator.
2.
To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.
A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense.
3.
To restrain; to prevent. [Obsolete] — Sir W. Temple
Collocations (1)
Retaining wall (Architecture & Engineering) , a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall.
Retain , intransitive verb
1.
To belong; to pertain. [Obsolete]
A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness.
2.
To keep; to continue; to remain. [Obsolete] — Donne