<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.</li><li>to levy a distress upon.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a downward movement; descent.</li><li>the decrease in rate in degressive taxation.</li></ul>