retainer

Plural: retainers

Noun

• One that retains; a fee paid to secure services.
• a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
• a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
• a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment
• Any thing or person that retains.
• A dependent or follower of someone of rank.
• A paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years.
• A fee one pays to reserve the other's time for services.
• A device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.
• A retaining valve.

Examples

• His Scrabble coach worked on a RETAINER, paid only when he achieved a new personal best score.
• This lawyer charges a retainer for his work.

Synonyms

consideration, servant

Related Words

brace