Definition of drain

• v. t. - To draw off by degrees; to cause to flow gradually out or off; hence, to cause the exhaustion of.
• v. t. - To exhaust of liquid contents by drawing them off; to make gradually dry or empty; to remove surface water, as from streets, by gutters, etc.; to deprive of moisture; hence, to exhaust; to empty of wealth, resources, or the like; as, to drain a country of its specie.
• v. t. - To filter.
• v. i. - To flow gradually; as, the water of low ground drains off.
• v. i. - To become emptied of liquor by flowing or dropping; as, let the vessel stand and drain.
• n. - The act of draining, or of drawing off; gradual and continuous outflow or withdrawal; as, the drain of specie from a country.
• n. - That means of which anything is drained; a channel; a trench; a water course; a sewer; a sink.
• n. - The grain from the mashing tub; as, brewers' drains.