Tenn. Code Ann. § 26-2-102: Part definitions

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.