\De*tain"er\ (-[~e]r), n.
1. One who detains.
2. (Law)
   (a) The keeping possession of what belongs to another;
       detention of what is another's, even though the
       original taking may have been lawful. Forcible
       detainer is indictable at common law.
   (b) A writ authorizing the keeper of a prison to continue
       to keep a person in custody.