distraint
/dɪˈstreɪnt
/noun [mass noun] Law
The seizure of someone’s property in order to obtain payment of money owed, especially rent: many faced heavy fines and the distraint of goods...
- Because there was no valid distraint, Canada Trustco's security was not displaced.
- After the premises were abandoned, distraint was impossible.
- First, that the goods were not Mr Newman's and so not open to distraint.
Origin
Mid 18th century: from distrain, on the pattern of constraint.