from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
TO HOLD. These words are now used in a deed to express by what tenure the
grantee is to have the land. The clause which commences with these words is
called the tenendum. Vide Habendum; Tenendum.
2. To hold, also means to decide, to adjudge, to decree; as, the court
in that case held that the husband was not liable for the contract of the
wife, made without his express or implied authority.
3. It also signifies to bind under a contract, as the obligor is held
and firmly bound. In the constitution of the United States, it is provided,
that no person held to service or labor in one state under the laws thereof,
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation
therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up
on the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. Art. 4,
sec. 3, Sec. 3; 2 Serg. & R. 306; 3 Id. 4; 5 Id. 52; 1 Wash. C. C. R. 500; 2
Pick. 11; 16 Pet. 539, 674.