dis·tress n [Anglo-French destrece, literally, tightness, anguish, deprivation, from Old French, ultimately from Late Latin districtus severe, from past participle of distringere to hinder, punish see distrain]
1: seizure and detention of the goods of another as pledge or to obtain satisfaction of a claim by the sale of the goods seized; specif: seizure by a landlord of a tenant's property to obtain satisfaction of arrearages in rent
◇ Distress is regulated by statute where available. It has been held unconstitutional by some courts.
2: pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind see also emotional distress
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.