lien

/ˈliːən/ noun [C] LAW

Definition

› an 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, federal tax lien, first lien, general lien, priority lien, second lien loan, seller's lien, tax lien

(Definition of lien noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)