HealthJuly 17, 2026
lien
/liːn/
Definition
A legal claim or right held by a creditor over a debtor's property to ensure payment of a debt.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French word 'lien' meaning 'bond' or 'tie,' which traces back to the Latin 'ligamen.' It entered Middle English to describe a legal binding or hold on assets.
In the news
A state agency filed a lien against the officer to secure unpaid child support, potentially attaching it to his future disability settlements. This detail highlights his personal financial struggles alongside his professional history.
ICE officer in Maine shooting has history of violent behavior, family and records say
Read the full article ↗NBC News