Part 286

Re*tail" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retailed (?);p. pr. & vb. n. Retailing.] [Cf. F. retailler to cut again; pref. re- re + tailler to cut. See Retail, n., Tailor, and cf. Detail.] 1. To sell in small quantities, as by the single yard, pound, gallon, etc.; to sell directly to the consumer; as, to retail cloth or groceries.

2. To sell at second hand. [Obs. or R.] Pope.

3. To distribute in small portions or at second hand; to tell again or to many (what has been told or done); to report; as, to retail slander. "To whom I will retail my conquest won." Shak.

He is wit's peddler, and retails his wares At wakes and wassails.

Shak.

Re*tail"er (?), n. One who retails anything; as, a retailer of merchandise; a retailer of gossip.

Re*tail"ment (?), n. The act of retailing.

Re*tain" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.] [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- + tenere to hold, keep. See Tenable, and cf. Rein of a bridle, Retention, Retinue.] 1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape, or the like. "Thy shape invisibleretain." Shak.

Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire.

Milton.

An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator.

Blackstone.

2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.

A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense.

Addison.

3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] Sir W. Temple.

Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall.

Syn. -- To keep; hold; retrain. See Keep.

Re*tain", v. i. 1. To belong; to pertain. [Obs.]

A somewhat languid relish, retaining to bitterness.

Boyle.

2. To keep; to continue; to remain. [Obs.] Donne.

Re*tain"a*ble (?), a. Capable of being retained.

Re*tain"al (?), n. The act of retaining; retention.

Re*tain"er (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, retains.

2. One who is retained or kept in service; an attendant; an adherent; a hanger-on.

3. Hence, a servant, not a domestic, but occasionally attending and wearing his master's livery. Cowell.

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.