De*tain"er (?), n.
1.
One who detains.
2. Law (a)
The keeping possession of what belongs to another; detention of what is another's, even though the original taking may have been lawful
. Forcible detainer is indictable at common law. (b)
A writ authorizing the keeper of a prison to continue to keep a person in custody.
© Webster 1913.