De*ten"tion (?), n. [L. detentio: cf. F. d'etention. See Detain.]

1.

The act of detaining or keeping back; a withholding.

2.

The state of being detained (stopped or hindered); delay from necessity.

3.

Confinement; restraint; custody.

The archduke Philip . . . found himself in a sort of honorable detention at Henry's court. Hallam.

 

© Webster 1913.