Lien

i A tie that binds property to a debt or claim for its satisfaction.^ Originally, a tie or bond. In the metaphorical sense in which it is used in law, such hold or claim upon a thing, for the satisfaction of a debt, duty or demand, that it cannot be taken away until the same be satisfied and paid. 3 A hold or claim which one person has upon the property of another, as a security for some debt or charge.* • A right to possess and retain property, until some charge attaching to it is paid or discharged. 5 In its widest sense, includes every case in which personal or real property is charged with the payment of a debt.''

Lienor.

He who is invested with a right of lien; he who may enforce a lien.' Liens exist at common law, arising from usage, express contractor contract implied from dealings; they are recognized in equity and in admiralty; and are created also by statutory enactment. Common-law liens are displaced by surrender of possession. Liens by contract depend upon the terms of the contract, and statutory liens upon the construction of the statutes.' A court of equity will relieve as against a lien at law, if, from difficulties, the parties are unable to obtain justice at law.'

1 Le'-en. F. h'en, band, bond, tie; L. ligare,to bind. ' Stephani v. Bishop of Chicago, 2 Bradw. 253 (1878), Pleasants, J. ' Stansbury v. Patent Cloth Manufacturing Co., 5