Definition
  1. A device or agreement that holds something in place or keeps it fixed.

    synonyms:holdersupport
  2. A person who is retained for a service, especially in a legal capacity.

    synonyms:lawyercounsel
Origin & Use

The word 'retainer' originates from the Old French 'reteneur', which means 'to hold back' or 'to retain'. This reflects its historical usage in legal contexts, where a retainer fee secures the services of a lawyer.


The term is commonly used in legal settings, but it can also refer to any device or person that serves to hold or maintain something.


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While 'retainer' is often used in specific contexts, particularly legal, it is also recognized in everyday language when discussing dental or orthodontic retainers.

Examples

After a lengthy discussion, she decided to hire a retainer to help with her legal matters.

He wore a retainer at night to keep his teeth aligned after the braces were removed.

The company offered a retainer to the consultant to ensure their availability for ongoing projects.

More Info

The word 'retainer' is a versatile term that has evolved over time. Initially tied to the idea of holding something back, it found its way into the legal realm where it denotes a fee paid to secure a lawyer’s services. Today, it also refers to devices like dental retainers that keep our teeth in check after orthodontic treatment. Whether you're hiring a professional or wearing a dental device, 'retainer' holds a special place in both our lives and language!

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