Re·tain v. t. [imp. & p. p. Retained p. pr. & vb. n. Retaining.]
 1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to restrain from departure, escape, or the like. “Thy shape invisible retain.”
 Be obedient, and retain
 Unalterably firm his love entire.   --Milton.
    An executor may retain a debt due to him from the testator.   --Blackstone.
 2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.
    A Benedictine convent has now retained the most learned father of their order to write in its defense.   --Addison.
 3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.]
 Retaining wall Arch. & Engin., a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall.
 Syn: -- To keep; hold; restrain. See Keep.


 retained
      adj : continued in your keeping or use or memory; "in...the
            retained pattern of dancers and guests remembered"
            [syn: maintained]