lien
noun [ C ]
LAW /ˈliːən/ ukusan 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
See also
broker's lien
carrier's lien
first lien
general lien
priority lien
second lien loan
seller's lien
tax lien