retainer

One who or that which retains.

One who is kept in service; a dependent; an attendant; especially, a follower who wears his master’s livery, but ranks higher than a domestic.

A sutler, camp-follower, or any person serving with an army who, though not enlisted, is subject to orders according to the rules and articles of war.

One who is connected with or frequents a certain place; an attendant.

The act of retaining dependents; entrance into service as a retainer; the state of being a retainer.

That by which a person’s services are secured; a fee.

Specifically, in law:

Same as retaining fee (which see, under fee).

An authority given to an attorney or a solicitor to proceed in an action

The unlawful taking or detention of a known servant from his master during the period of service.