Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Retain \Re*tain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retained}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Retaining}.] [F. retainir, L. retinere; pref. re- re- +
   tenere to hold, keep. See {Tenable}, and cf. {Rein} of a
   bridle, {Retention}, {Retinue}.]
   1. To continue to hold; to keep in possession; not to lose,
      part with, or dismiss; to retrain from departure, escape,
      or the like. ``Thy shape invisibleretain.'' --Shak.

            Be obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love
            entire.                               --Milton.

            An executor may retain a debt due to him from the
            testator.                             --Blackstone.

   2. To keep in pay; to employ by a preliminary fee paid; to
      hire; to engage; as, to retain a counselor.

            A Benedictine convent has now retained the most
            learned father of their order to write in its
            defense.                              --Addison.

   3. To restrain; to prevent. [Obs.] --Sir W. Temple.

   {Retaining wall} (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any
      movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place;
      -- called also {retain wall}.

   Syn: To keep; hold; retrain. See {Keep}.

Source : WordNet®

retaining
     adj : designed for (usually temporary) retention; "a holding pen";
           "a retaining wall" [syn: {holding}]