Definition of distrain Distrain

dis•train

We found 14 definitions of distrain from 5 different sources.

What does distrain mean?

Verb distrains, distraining, distrained
distrain - legally take something in place of a debt payment
		repossess, reclaim make useful again; transform from a useless or uncultivated state; "The people reclaimed the marshes"
distrain - confiscate by distress
		confiscate, impound, attach, sequester, seize place or shut up in a pound; "pound the cows so they don't stray"
distrain - levy a distress on
		levy, impose impose and collect; "levy a fine"

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distrain (Verb)
To squeeze, press; to constrain, oppress.
distrain (Verb)
To force someone to do something by seizing their property.
distrain (Verb)
To seize somebody's property in place of, or to force, payment of a debt.
distrain (Verb)
To pull off, tear apart.

distrain (v. t.)
To press heavily upon; to bear down upon with violence; hence, to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress, torment, or afflict.
distrain (v. t.)
To rend; to tear.
distrain (v. t.)
To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement.
distrain (v. t.)
To subject to distress; to coerce; as, to distrain a person by his goods and chattels.
distrain (v. i.)
To levy a distress.

distrain
dis-trān′, v.t. to seize, esp. goods for debt, esp. for non-payment of rent or rates.—v.i. to seize the goods of a debtor.—adj. Distrain′able.—ns. Distrain′ment; Distrain′or, Distrain′er; Distraint′, seizure of goods. [O. Fr. destraindre—L. dis, asunder, stringĕre, to draw tight.]