Also 6 lyen. [a. F. lien:—L. ligāmen bond, f. ligāre to bind, tie.]
† 1. Anat. A tendon. Obs.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg., D j. The lyens or strynges … be of the nature of synewes.
2. Law. A right to retain possession of property (whether land, goods or money) until a debt due in respect of it to the person detaining it is satisfied.
1531. Dial. on Laws Eng., II. vii. (1532), 20. The tenaunt hathe a true cause of a voucher, and of lyen.
1741. T. Robinson, Gavelkind, vi. 125. A Diversity is to be observed between a Lien Real and a Lien Personal.
1809. R. Langford, Introd. Trade, 133. Lien, attachment on property in your possession for a debt due to you from the owner of them.
1845. R. W. Hamilton, Pop. Educ., vii. (ed. 2), 165. Vermont possesses, also, its literary fund,—a lien of six per cent. on the profits of the banks.
1866. Crump, Banking, iii. 83. It is only necessary for the borrower to give a lien to the banker.
1883. Sir E. E. Kay, in Law Times Rep., XLIX. 77/2. It was hardly said that he was entitled to any charge, or lien, or equity on this particular fund.
fig. 1879. H. George, Progr. & Pov., V. ii. (1881), 260. A few thousand of the people of England hold a lien upon the labor of the rest.
1883. J. Hawthorne, Dust, I. 168. The chance which had brought Lancaster into relations with the family … gave him a lien upon the interest and gratitude of the two women.
b. attrib., as in lien bond, creditor, holder.
1870. Pinkerton, Guide to Administr., 19. A widow cannot claim as against a mechanic’s lien creditor.
1898. Westm. Gaz., 20 June, 10/1. A first mortgage on all property not covered by the prior lien bonds.
Hence Lienor U.S. Law, one who holds a lien.
1890. Law Times, LXXXIX. 165/1. If the lienors may insure, so may the owners of the injured ship and cargo.
