retainer
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (3)
- a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someoneSynonyms: consideration
- a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)Synonyms: servant
- a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Retainer \Re*tain"er\, n.
1.One who, or that which, retains. [1913 Webster]
2.One who is retained or kept in service; an attendant; an adherent; a hanger-on. [1913 Webster]
3.Hence, a servant, not a domestic, but occasionally attending and wearing his master's livery. --Cowell. [1913 Webster]
4.(Law) (a) The act of a client by which he engages a lawyer or counselor to manage his cause. (b) The act of withholding what one has in his hands by virtue of some right. (c) A fee paid to engage a lawyer or counselor to maintain a cause, or to prevent his being employed by the opposing party in the case; -- called also retaining fee. --Bouvier. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]
5.The act of keeping dependents, or the state of being in dependence. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]