Definition of distrain

• v. t. - To press heavily upon; to bear down upon with violence; hence, to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress, torment, or afflict.
• v. t. - To rend; to tear.
• v. t. - To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement.
• v. t. - To subject to distress; to coerce; as, to distrain a person by his goods and chattels.
• v. i. - To levy a distress.