1. seizes someone’s property to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
Usage: legal term; third person singular present

Examples

• The landlord distrains the tenant’s furniture for unpaid rent.
• When the debt remains unpaid, the creditor distrains the debtor’s goods.
• The court officer distrains property to satisfy the judgment.
• The law allows a landlord to distrains chattels found on the premises.
• If rent is overdue, the property owner distrains movable assets.
• The bailiff distrains goods equal in value to the amount owed.