lien
/liːn
/ /ˈliːən /noun Law
A right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged: they shall be entitled to a lien on any lot sold make sure there are no liens against the car [as modifier]: they may assert a lien claim on your property...
- The solicitors have claimed a lien on their file until their fees, which are substantial, are paid.
- The lien may be claimed and maintained so long as the article remains in the possession of the lien claimant.
- Mrs. D. will transfer her interest in the matrimonial home to Mr. D. provided that she can lift the Legal Aid liens on the property to a payment agreement form.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from French, via Old French loien from Latin ligamen 'bond', from ligare 'to bind'.
Rhymes
- run (or come down) a banker
- run (or make) rings round (or around) someone
- run (or take) its course
- run (or take) the risk (or risks)
- run out
- run-out groove
- run out of gas
- run out of steam
- run out on
- run-out table
- run over
- run-producer
- run proof
- run rate
- run resist
- run resistant
- runrig
- run rings round
- run riot
- run-round
- runshie
- run someone in
- run someone out
- run someone out of town
- run someone ragged