lien
UK/'li:әn/US
GREB1
Definitions
n.
A legal right to keep possession of another's property until a debt owed is paid
留置权，扣押权
Root Breakdown
Root-derived=lien
From ligāre (bind), worn down through French to 'lien.' A lien is a binding legal claim: the creditor 'ties up' your property — you can't freely sell it — until the debt is settled.
Root lig still carries 18 more wordsUsage Guide
Legal term, pronounced 'leen' (or sometimes 'LEE-en'). Used almost only in finance and law; in everyday English you'd say a 'claim on' the property.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The bank placed a lien on the house until the loan was repaid.
- 2.
Contractors can file a lien if they aren't paid for the work.