from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bind \Bind\, v. t. [imp. {Bound}; p. p. {Bound}, formerly
{Bounden}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Binding}.] [AS. bindan, perfect
tense band, bundon, p. p. bunden; akin to D. & G. binden,
Dan. binde, Sw. & Icel. binda, Goth. bindan, Skr. bandh (for
bhandh) to bind, cf. Gr. ? (for ?) cable, and L. offendix.
[root]90.]
1. 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.
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2. 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.
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He bindeth the floods from overflowing. --Job
xxviii. 11.
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Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years.
--Luke xiii.
16.
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3. To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; --
sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound.
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4. To make fast ( a thing) about or upon something, as by
tying; to encircle with something; as, to bind a belt
about one; to bind a compress upon a part.
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5. To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action;
as, certain drugs bind the bowels.
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6. To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge
of a carpet or garment.
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7. To sew or fasten together, and inclose in a cover; as, to
bind a book.
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8. 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.
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Who made our laws to bind us, not himself. --Milton.
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9. (Law)
(a) To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations;
esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant.
--Abbott.
(b) To place under legal obligation to serve; to
indenture; as, to bind an apprentice; -- sometimes
with out; as, bound out to service.
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{To bind over}, to put under bonds to do something, as to
appear at court, to keep the peace, etc.
{To bind to}, to contract; as, to bind one's self to a wife.
{To bind up in}, to cause to be wholly engrossed with; to
absorb in.
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Syn: To fetter; tie; fasten; restrain; restrict; oblige.
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