retainer
retainer Lexical Profile
retainer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fee paid in advance to a professional, such as a lawyer or consultant, to secure their ongoing services when required.
"The corporation pays an annual retainer to its legal counsel to ensure immediate access to advice."
A custom-made orthodontic appliance worn to hold teeth in their correct position after braces have been removed.
"He was instructed by his orthodontist to wear his retainer every night to prevent his teeth from shifting."
A subordinate, attendant, or servant who has worked for a family or household for a long time.
"The sprawling old estate was maintained by a few loyal retainers who had served the aristocratic family for generations."
• Rhymes for retainer
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'reteinour', derived from the Anglo-Norman and Old French 'retenir' (to keep back, retain), ultimately from Latin 'retinere'. The modern spelling is influenced by the English suffix '-er'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.