A device or agreement that holds something in place or keeps it fixed.
synonyms:holdersupportA person who is retained for a service, especially in a legal capacity.
synonyms:lawyercounselThe 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.
While 'retainer' is often used in specific contexts, particularly legal, it is also recognized in everyday language when discussing dental or orthodontic retainers.
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.
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!