retainer — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Any thing or person that retains.

2. A dependent or follower of someone of rank.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   If they possessed the means to marshal labour, pile up food resources and provender armies of year-round retainers, what sort of royalty would consciously elect not to do so.

3. A paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years.

   Examples

   Of all this family lore I knew but little and vaguely; only what is to be gathered from the fireside talk of old retainers in the nursery.

4. A fee one pays to reserve the other's time for services.

   Examples

   This lawyer charges a retainer for his work.

5. A device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

   Examples

   You give me head / It makes it worse / Take out your fuckin' retainer / Put it in your purse

   I've known you since the third grade. I've hand-washed your retainer. I keep mint-flavored Oreos at the house for you.

6. A retaining valve.

Noun

1. a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone

   Synonyms

   consideration

   Broader terms

   fee

2. a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

   Synonyms

   servant

   Broader terms

   worker

3. a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment

   Broader terms

   dental appliance