One who retains; as an executor, who retains a debt due from the testator.

One who is kept in service; an attendant; as the retainers of the ancient princes and nobility.

An adherent; a dependant; a hanger on.

A servant, not a domestic, but occasionally attending and wearing his master’s livery.

Among lawyers, a fee paid to engage a lawyer or counselor to maintain a cause.

The act of keeping dependents, or being in dependence.