Associations to the word «Distrain»

Wiktionary

DISTRAIN, verb. (obsolete) To squeeze, press, embrace; to constrain, oppress.
DISTRAIN, verb. (legal) (transitive) (obsolete) To force (someone) to do something by seizing their property.
DISTRAIN, verb. (legal) (intransitive) To seize somebody's property in place of, or to force, payment of a debt.
DISTRAIN, verb. (obsolete) To pull off, tear apart.

Dictionary definition

DISTRAIN, verb. Levy a distress on.
DISTRAIN, verb. Confiscate by distress.
DISTRAIN, verb. Legally take something in place of a debt payment.

Wise words

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.
Noam Chomsky