Re*ten"tion (?), n. [L. retentio: cf. F. r'etention. See Retain.]
1.
The act of retaining, or the state of being ratined.
2.
The power of retaining; retentiveness.
No woman's heart
So big, to hold so much; they lack retention.
Shak.
3.
That which contains something, as a tablet; a of preserving impressions.
[R.]
Shak.
4.
The act of withholding; retraint; reserve.
Shak.
5.
Place of custody or confinement.
6. Law
The right of withholding a debt, or of retaining property until a debt due to the person claiming the right be duly paid; a lien.
Erskine. Craig.
Retention cyst Med., a cyst produced by obstruction of a duct leading from a secreting organ and the consequent retention of the natural secretions.
© Webster 1913.