It might be on the house (4)

I believe the answer is:

lien

(Other definitions for lien that I've seen before include "Legal claim on Nile" , "Sequestration order" , "Right to retain property until a debt is paid" , "Legal right over the Nile" , "The right to take property if an obligation is not discharged" .)

I've seen this clue in The Wall Street Journal.

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