​RETINUE (O. Fr. retenue, from retenir, Lat. retenere, hold back, retain), a body of persons “retained” in the service of a noble or royal personage, a suite of “retainers.” Such retainers were not in the domestic service of their lord, but were his “livery” and claimed his protection. They were a source of trouble and abuse in the 15th and early 16th century (see Livery and Maintenance).