lien

¹ American  

[leen, lee-uhn] / lin, ˈli ən /

noun

1. Law. the legal claim of one person upon the property of another person to secure the payment of a debt or the satisfaction of an obligation.

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lien ² American  

[lahy-uhn, -en] / ˈlaɪ ən, -ɛn /

noun

Anatomy.

1. the spleen.

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lien British  

/ ˈliːən, liːn /

noun

1. law a right to retain possession of another's property pending discharge of a debt

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lien Cultural  

1. A claim or right given to a creditor to secure payment of a debt, usually by sale of the debtor's property.

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Other Word Forms

• lienable adjective
• lienal adjective

Etymology

Origin of lien¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin ligāmen “tie, bandage,” from ligā(re) “to tie” + -men, noun suffix of result; ligament ( def. )

Origin of lien²

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin liēn; spleen

Example Sentences

It has reduced its exposure to the software industry, and has a first lien on the assets of every borrower.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

ADS says it is well-positioned for the current market volatility given its focus on high-quality, large-cap corporate borrowers on a first lien senior secured basis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Only 58% of its loans have a first lien, and 15% of interest is noncash payment-in-kind.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

If the lien was entered incorrectly, you can file a motion to strike or adjudicate the lien in court.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

No lien can be created by mortgage or otherwise on any of the above property, except on profession, etc., without the consent of the wife, if he have one, by signing such mortgage or lien.

From How to Collect a Doctor Bill by Davis, Frank P.