detention

plural detentions

1. uncountableThe act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.

   Detain not the wages of the hireling: for every degree of detention of it beyond the time is injuſtice, and uncharitableneſs, and grindes his face til tears and blood come out: […]

   1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, “Of Christian Justice”, in The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living. […], 2nd edition, London: […] Francis Ashe […], →OCLC, section III (Of Negotiation, or Civil Contracts), page 208

   2 more examples

   In the case of rail-borne traffic, permission is given to each sender to load and forward his traffic so that it will be available for loading into the vessel with a minimum of detention to wagons, unless arrangements have been made for the traffic to be put into store to await the arrival of the ship.

   1945 January and February, T. F. Cameron, “Dock Working”, in Railway Magazine, page 12

   "[…] On the 18th of October, 1841, a very intense magnetic disturbance was recorded, and amongst other curious facts mentioned is that of the detention of the 10:05pm express train at Exeter for 16 minutes, as from the magnetic disturbance affecting the needles so powerfully, it was impossible to ascertain if the line was clear at Starcross. The superintendent at Exeter reported the next morning that someone was playing tricks with the instruments, and would not let them work."

   2023 November 15, Prof. Jim Wild, “This train was delayed because of bad weather in space”, in RAIL, number 996, page 30

   Synonyms: delay, hindrance, impediment, retardation

2. A temporary state of custody or confinement.
   1. countableuncountablelawConfinement of a prisoner awaiting trial.

      Synonyms: DT, jug

   2. countableuncountableA punishment given to a student for a minor infraction, typically requiring the student to report to a designated room during recess or outside of school hours to work on homework or perform busywork.

      be stuck in detention

      1 more example

      Now, for slacking off in class and for having a serious attitude problem, your punishment is two weeks in detention, with me, starting this afternoon.

      1985, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, Back to the Future, spoken by Mr. Strickland

      Synonyms: DT, jug

3. countableuncountablecivil lawThe bare physical control without the mental element of intention required for possession.

1. A locality in Circular Head Council, north western Tasmania, Australia.