The Collaborative International Dictionary
Retention \Re*ten"tion\, n. [L. retentio: cf. F. r['e]tention. See Retain.]
The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined.
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The power of retaining; retentiveness.
No woman's heart So big, to hold so much; they lack retention.
--Shak. That which contains something, as a tablet; a ???? of preserving impressions. [R.]
--Shak.The act of withholding; retraint; reserve.
--Shak.Place of custody or confinement.
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(Law) The right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien.
--Erskine. Craig.Retention cyst (Med.), a cyst produced by obstruction of a duct leading from a secreting organ and the consequent retention of the natural secretions.