1. (v. t.) To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose, part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape, or the like.

2. (v. t.) To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.

3. (v. t.) To restrain; to prevent.

4. (v. i.) To belong; to pertain.

5. (v. i.) To keep; to continue; to remain.