re|tain|er

re|tain|er¹ «rih TAY nuhr», noun.

1. a person who serves someone of rank; vassal; attendant; follower: »

The king had many retainers.

2. a person kept in service; attendant: »

that old retainer, Bridget the cook (Winston Churchill).

3. a person who retains.

╂[< retain + -er¹]

re|tain|er² «rih TAY nuhr», noun.

1. a fee paid to secure services, on a continuing basis or when necessary: »

This lawyer receives a retainer before he begins work on a case.

2. a retaining of a person's service.

╂[< noun use of Old French retenir; see etym. under retain (Cf. ↑retain)]