Webster's English Dictionary

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retainer

1. re.tain.er \ri-'ta--n*r\ n [ME reteiner act of withholding, fr. reteinen 
   + AF -er (as in] weyver waiver) 1: the act of a client by which he engages 
   the services of a lawyer, counse lor, or adviser 2: a fee paid to a lawyer 
   or professional adviser for advice or services or  for a claim upon his 
   services in case of need
2. retainer n [retain] 1: one that retains  2a: a person attached or owing 
   service to a household; esp : ( MSER VANT 2b: EMPLOYEE  3: any of various 
   devices used for holding something