† ˈretinency Obs. rare.
[Cf. prec. and -ency.]
The fact or capability of retaining something; retentiveness.
| a 1640 Jackson Creed x. x. Wks. IX. 55 Original sin..is a positive retinency of the flesh or corrupt nature of man. 1709 F. Hauksbee Phys.-Mech. Exper. v. (1719) 117 The Canals will restore themselves so far forth by their Elasticity, till the Momentum of their Retinency becomes equal to that of the diminish'd Pressure. |