detainer

[ dih-tey-ner ]

noun

, Law.

1. a writ for the further detention of a person already in custody.
2. the wrongful detaining or withholding of what belongs to another.

detainer

/ dɪˈteɪnə /

noun

1. the wrongful withholding of the property of another person
2. 1. the detention of a person in custody
   2. a writ authorizing the further detention of a person already in custody

Other Words From

• prede·tainer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detainer¹

1610–20; < Anglo-French detener (noun use of infinitive), variant of Old French detenir; detain

Word History and Origins

Origin of detainer¹

C17: from Anglo-French detener (n), from detener to detain

Example Sentences

German Hurtado of the Professional Standards Bureau said that the department had not complied with any of the 631 “detainer” requests it had received last year from federal authorities to hold undocumented immigrants for possible deportation.

From Los Angeles Times

Known as unlawful detainer cases, evictions today go through the Superior Court’s Ex Parte and Probate Department, where cases are heard by commissioners — attorneys who work under the direction of a judge to hear certain types of cases.

From Seattle Times

A year later, the agency filed an unlawful detainer in Los Angeles County Superior Court to evict Apex and seek back rent.

From Los Angeles Times

When a complaint for unlawful detainer was filed in court in February, the resident owed $3,814 for rent and utilities beginning in October.

From Seattle Times

Under the proposed changes, all sheriffs or jailers are required to hold inmates accused of serious crimes for up to 48 hours if a detainer is issued.

From Seattle Times