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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.

A sign made for the purpose of giving notice to a person of some occurence, command, or danger; also, a sign, event, or watchword, which has been agreed upon as the occasion of concerted action. All obeyed The wonted signal and superior voice Of this great potentate. Milton.

y a more special name; -- chiefly applied to sales of the same property to two different persons, or selling that for one's own which belongs to another, etc. Erskine.

A person employed in a hotel, or a club, or on board a ship, to provide for the table, superintend the culinary affairs, etc. In naval vessels, the captain's steward, wardroom steward, steerage steward, warrant officers steward, etc., are petty officers who provide for the messes under their charge.…

a certain district, or of his sucken, to bring all their grain to his mill for grinding. Erskine.

l off as to property, or in good circumstances; forehanded; rich. [Colloq.] Warm householders, every one of them. W. Irving. You shall have a draft upon him, payable at sight: and let me tell you he as warm a man as any within five miles round him. Goldsmith.

See Erst. [Obs.] Sylvester.