lien

2 definitions • 5 examples

an official order that allows someone to keep the property of a person who owes them money until it has been paid

an official order that allows someone to keep the property of a person who owes them money until the money has been paid back:

This could occur where someone has a lien over the goods, i.e. a right to retain possession of them until a debt is paid.

State law allows the city to put a lien on the property to grab its money when it's sold.

a lien against sth Officials want to place a lien against half of the home to ensure payment.

The bank intends to hold a lien on the entire balance for the $400 due.

claim/exercise/have a lien