Retention

In Scotch law. The right which the possessor of a movable has of holding the same until he shall be satisfied for his claim either against such movable or the owner of it; a lien. General retention is the right to withhold or detain the property of another, in respect of any debt which happens to be due by the proprietor to the person who has the custody, or for a general balance of accounts arising on a particular train of employment. 2 Bell, Comm. (5th Ed.) 90, 91. Special retention is the right of withholding or retaining property or goods which are in one's possession under a contract, till indemnified for the labor or money expended on them. RETONSOR (Law Lat. from retandere, q. V.)

In old English law. A clipper of money. Fleta, lib. 1, c. 20, § 122. which is only a certificate delivered to the court on the day of return, of that which he hath done touching the execution of their writ directed to him. This must be indorsed on back of writ by officer. 2 Lilly, Abr. 476. Each term has return days, fixed, as early as 51 Hen. III., at intervals of about a week, on which all original writs are returnable. The first return day is regularly the first day in the term; but there are three days' grace. 2 Bl. Comm. 277.

The right of retaining property owner is paid.