ETYM French lien band, bond, tie, from Latin ligamen, from ligare to bind. Related to League a union, Leam a string, Leamer, Ligament.
(Homonym: lean).
The right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged.
In law, the right to retain goods owned by another until the owner has satisfied a claim against him by the person in possession of the goods. For example, the goods may have been provided as security for a debt.
Right over property or services.