distrain

American  

[dih-streyn] / dɪˈstreɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.

2. to levy a distress upon.

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verb (used without object)

1. to levy a distress.

distrain British  

/ dɪˈstreɪn /

verb

1. law to seize (personal property) by way of distress

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Other Word Forms

• distrainable adjective
• distrainee noun
• distrainer noun
• distrainment noun
• distrainor noun
• undistrained adjective

Etymology

Origin of distrain

1250–1300; Middle English distreinen < Anglo-French, Old French destreindre < Latin distringere to stretch out, equivalent to di- di- ² + stringere to draw tight; strain ¹

Example Sentences

I won't ask a rack rent, I promise you, and I suppose I could distrain on these tea things and the kettle if it were not paid up.

From Bosom Friends A Seaside Story by Brazil, Angela

No, I do not think they would refuse a police escort to Sheriffs' officers proceeding to distrain on the Belfast manufacturers.

From Ireland as It Is And as It Would be Under Home Rule by Buckley, Robert John

"Suppose, for instance, I were to say to you: my dear friend, I have fallen into quite an awkward predicament and to-day or to-morrow they will distrain upon me for 40,000 florins."

From The Poor Plutocrats by Bain, R. Nisbet (Robert Nisbet)

At last I lost patience, and determined to distrain.

From Ireland as It Is And as It Would be Under Home Rule by Buckley, Robert John

The tithe-gatherers would be out to distrain in a particular parish, and find loads of the humble chattels, which they meant to seize, already carted over the boundary into the next parish.

From The Romance of a Pro-Consul Being The Personal Life And Memoirs Of The Right Hon. Sir George Grey, K.C.B. by Milne, James