retainer

¹

[ ri-tey-ner ]

noun

1. a person or thing that retains.
2. a servant or attendant who has served a family for many years.
3. Also called cage, separator. Machinery. a ring separating, and moving with, balls or rollers in a bearing.
4. Orthodontics.
   1. a fixed or removable device worn in the mouth to hold the teeth in their new position during the adaptive period after straightening appliances have been removed.
   2. Prosthodontics. a part on a bridge or the like by which the bridge is attached to the natural teeth.

retainer

²

[ ri-tey-ner ]

noun

1. the act of retaining in one's service.
2. the fact of being so retained.
3. a fee paid to secure services, as of a lawyer.

retainer

/ rɪˈteɪnə /

noun

1. history a supporter or dependant of a person of rank, esp a soldier
2. a servant, esp one who has been with a family for a long time
3. a clip, frame, or similar device that prevents a part of a machine, engine, etc, from moving
4. a dental appliance for holding a loose tooth or prosthetic device in position
5. a fee paid in advance to secure first option on the services of a barrister, jockey, etc
6. a reduced rent paid for a flat, room, etc, during absence to reserve it for future use

Other Words From

• re·tainer·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retainer¹

First recorded in 1530–40; retain + -er ¹

Origin of retainer²

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English reteinir, probably noun use of Middle French retenir ; retain

Example Sentences

He also insisted that his client only ever paid Cohen for his legal work, subject to a retainer that was never documented.

From Salon

Cohen said he submitted monthly invoices for a year for legal work he never actually performed, pursuant to a purported retainer agreement that he said did not exist.

From Seattle Times

The checks’ stubs falsely say they were for a “retainer”; the false invoices say, “per retainer”; and the vouchers say the same.

From Salon

To keep the cover-up alive, Cohen said, Trump’s company disguised the reimbursement as ordinary legal expenses that arose from a retainer agreement.

From Seattle Times

While the former president seethes under a gag order that blocks him from threatening jurors, witnesses, prosecutors, and court staff, his loyal retainers have expressed his thoughts for him.

From Salon