Definition of: distrain

(dis·trān′) v.t. Law
1. To take and detain (personal property) by distress as security for a debt, claim, etc.
2. To subject (a person) to distress.
—v.i.
3. To impose a distress. [<OF destreindre <L distringere <dis- completely + stringere draw tight, compress]
—dis·train′a·ble adjective
—dis·train′er or dis·train′or noun
—dis·train′ment noun