retainer

Academic Word List, sublist 4.

About 0.87 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun Any thing or person that retains.
2. noun A dependent or follower of someone of rank.
3. noun A paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years.
4. noun A fee one pays to reserve the other's time for services.

   This lawyer charges a retainer for his work.

5. noun A device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.
6. noun A retaining valve.

Similar words

consideration servant retention retaining retrieval fixing recovery stop restraint allowance

Often followed by

of and to is for in fee agreement from

Word family

retain retained retainers retaining retains retention retentive