Retainer

The payment by an executor or administrator, out of the personal estate in his hands, of a debt due himself in preference to debts of equal degree due others; the engagement of an attorney or solicitor to act in a cause; the special authority conferred by the client upon such an engagement; the preliminary fee paid upon such an engagement In English law. A notice given to a counsel by an attorney on behalf of a party in an action, to secure his services as advocate when the cause comes on for trial; the preliminary fee paid upon such notice, called otherwise honorarium,