continue to have (something); keep possession of
built in 1830, the house retains many of its original features
Labour retained the seat
absorb and continue to hold (a substance)
limestone is known to retain water
keep (something) in place; hold fixed
the successful design of a cartridge belt requires that the cartridges in it be properly located and retained in that position
keep (someone) engaged in one's service
he has been retained as a freelance