'Retainer' definitions:

Definition of 'retainer'

From: WordNet
noun
A fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone [syn: retainer, consideration]
noun
A person working in the service of another (especially in the household) [syn: servant, retainer]
noun
A dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment

Definition of 'Retainer'

From: GCIDE
  • Retainer \Re*tain"er\, n.
  • 1. One who, or that which, retains. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. One who is retained or kept in service; an attendant; an adherent; a hanger-on. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Hence, a servant, not a domestic, but occasionally attending and wearing his master's livery. --Cowell. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Law) (a) The act of a client by which he engages a lawyer or counselor to manage his cause. (b) The act of withholding what one has in his hands by virtue of some right. (c) A fee paid to engage a lawyer or counselor to maintain a cause, or to prevent his being employed by the opposing party in the case; -- called also {retaining fee}. --Bouvier. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. The act of keeping dependents, or the state of being in dependence. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]