Noah Webster
Distrain
DISTRAIN, verb transitive [Latin Dis and stringo. See Strain. Blackstone writes distrein.]
1. To seize for debt; to take a personal chatel from the possession of a wrong-doer into the possession of the injured party, to satisfy a demand, or compel the performance of a duty; as, to distrain goods fro rent, or for an amercement.
2. To rend; to tear.
DISTRAIN, verb intransitive To make seizure of goods.
On whom I cannot distrain for debt.
For neglecting to do suit to the lords court, or other personal service, the lord may distrain of common right.
[In this phrase however some word seems to be understood; as, to distrain goods.]