Defn: That which is retained. Hickok.
RETENTION
Re*ten"tion, n. Etym: [L. retentio: cf. F. rétention. 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 [R.] Shak.
4. The act of withholding; retraint; reserve. Shak.
5. Place of custody or confinement.
6. (Law)
Defn: 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.
RETENTIVE
Re*ten"tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. rétentif.]