noun
lien
LEE-un/ˈliːən/
A legal claim on property securing payment of a debt.
The lender's lien on the house secures the debt until the owner repays it.
Etymology
The original “bond” or “tie” became a legal restraint on property. A lien ties property to an unpaid obligation, allowing it to be held until the debt is paid.
In context
if they don't pay you … enact this lien and … sell the guitar for what the fret jobs are.
They don't pay the bill, we place a lien on the property.
More examples
- The contractor files a lien against the house for unpaid work.
- Unpaid property taxes can result in a tax lien.
- Before buying the property, we check for existing liens.
Forms
lien · liens
Similar words
- encumbrance
- Broader term for claims or restrictions affecting property ownership.
- mortgage
- Specifically pledges real estate as security for a loan.