/dɪˈtɪnuː/ i ‘dɪ-ti-NOO

Definitions

1. noun

the wrongful detention of goods or property, especially in the course of a civil action; a civil tort.

“The plaintiff sued for damages due to detinue of her personal belongings.”

2. noun

a writ commanding the person in wrongful possession of goods to deliver them to the person lawfully entitled to them.

“The judge issued a writ of detinue to return the stolen merchandise.”