Retain \Re*tain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained; p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.]

[F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.]

1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape, or the like. ``Thy shape invisibleretain.'' --Shak.

Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire. --Milton.

An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator. --Blackstone.

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. --Addison.

3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.]

--Sir W. Temple.

Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall.

Syn: To keep; hold; retrain. See Keep.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)