distrain /di-strānˈ/ (law)

1. To seize (esp goods for debt, esp for non-payment of rent or rates)
2. To pull apart, burst (Spenser)

To seize the goods of a debtor

distrainˈable adjective

distraineeˈ noun

A person whose property has been distrained

distrainˈer or distrainˈor noun

distrainˈment noun

distraintˈ noun

Seizure of goods

• keep one's breath to cool one's porridge
• keep one's cards close to one's chest
• keep one's chin up
• keep one's cool
• keep one's countenance
• keep one's distance
• keep one's ear to the ground
• keep oneself to oneself
• keep one's end up
• keep one's eye in
• keep one's eye on
• keep one's eyes peeled
• keep one's eyes skinned
• keep one's finger on the pulse
• keep one's fingers crossed
• keep one's hair on
• keep one's hand in
• keep one's head
• keep one's head above water
• keep one's head down
• keep one's mind on
• keep one's mouth shut
• keep one's nose clean
• keep one's options open
• keep one's powder dry