retainer

noun (1)
re·​tain·​er | \ ri-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce retainer (audio) \

Definition of retainer

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a person attached or owing service to a household especially : servant
b : employee
2 : one that retains
3 : a device or structure that holds something in place: such as
a : the part of a dental replacement (such as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
b : a dental appliance used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment

retainer

noun (2)

Definition of retainer (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser are engaged
2 : a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed

First Known Use of retainer

Noun (1)

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for retainer

Noun (2)

Middle English reteigner, literally, retention, from Anglo-French, from reteigner, verb

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More Definitions for retainer

retainer

noun
re·​tain·​er | \ ri-ˈtān-ər How to pronounce retainer (audio) \

Medical Definition of retainer

1 : the part of a dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
2 : a dental appliance used to hold teeth in their correct position especially following orthodontic treatment

retainer

noun
re·​tain·​er | \ ri-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce retainer (audio) \

Legal Definition of retainer

1 : the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer are engaged
2 : a fee paid to a lawyer for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed

History and Etymology for retainer

Anglo-French retener act of engaging or employing, from retener retenir to engage, retain

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