Emily Dickinson Lexicon

OB-TAIN, v.t. [L. obtineo; ob and teneo, to hold; Fr. obtenir; It. ottenere.]

1. To get; to gain; to procure; in a general sense, to gain possession of a thing, whether temporary or permanent; to acquire. This word usually implies exertion to get possession, and in this it differs from receive, which may or may not imply exertion. It differs from acquire, as genus from species; acquire being properly applied only to things permanently possessed; but obtain is applied both to things of temporary and of permanent possession. We obtain loans of money on application; we obtain answers to letters; we obtain spirit from liquors by distillation, and salts by evaporation. We obtain by seeking; we often receive without seeking. We acquire or obtain a good title to lands by deed, or by a judgment of court; but we do not acquire spirit by distillation; nor do we acquire an answer to a letter or an application. He shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. Dan. xi. In whom we have obtained an inheritance. Eph. i.
2. To keep; to hold. Milton.