As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:(1) 'Earnings' means the compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise, and includes periodic payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program;(2) 'Disposable earnings' means that part of the earnings of an individual remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amounts required by law to be withheld; and(3) 'Garnishment' means any legal or equitable procedure through which the earnings of an individual are required to be withheld for payment of any debt.Acts 1978, ch. 915, § 8; T.C.A., § 26-207, T.C.A., § 26-2-105.
Tennessee Legal Code