 2 definitions found
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
retaining
adjective: designed for (usually temporary) retention; "a holding pen";
"a retaining wall" [syn: {holding}]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Retain \Re*tain"\ (r[-e]*t[=a]n"), verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p.
{Retained} (r[-e]*t[=a]nd"); 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 restrain from departure, escape,
or the like. ''Thy shape invisible retain.'' --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; restrain. See {Keep}.
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