- AS. bindan, perfect tense bandbundon, p. p. bunden; akin to D. & G. binden, Dan. binde, Sw. & Icel. binda, Goth. bindan, Skr. bandhfor bhandh) to bind, cf. Gr. �for �) cable, and L. offendix. √90
- To tie, or confine with a cord, band, ligature, chain, etc.; to fetter; to make fast; as, to bind grain in bundles; to bind a prisoner.
- To confine, restrain, or hold by physical force or influence of any kind; as, attraction binds the planets to the sun; frost binds the earth, or the streams.He bindeth the floods from overflowing.Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years.
- To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; -- sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound.
- To make fast ( a thingabout or upon something, as by tying; to encircle with something; as, to bind a belt about one; to bind a compress upon a part.
- To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action; as, certain drugs bind the bowels.
- To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge of a carpet or garment.
- To sew or fasten together, and inclose in a cover; as, to bind a book.
- Fig.: To oblige, restrain, or hold, by authority, law, duty, promise, vow, affection, or other moral tie; as, to bind the conscience; to bind by kindness; bound by affection; commerce binds nations to each other.Who made our laws to bind us, not himself.
- LawTo bring (any one) under definite legal obligations; esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant.Abbott.To place under legal obligation to serve; to indenture; as, to bind an apprentice; -- sometimes with out; as, bound out to service.To fetter; tie; fasten; restrain; restrict; oblige.
