from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Obligation \Ob"li*ga"tion\, n. [F. obligation. L. obligatio. See
{Oblige}.]
1. The act of obligating.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which obligates or constrains; the binding power of a
promise, contract, oath, or vow, or of law; that which
constitutes legal or moral duty.
[1913 Webster]
A tender conscience is a stronger obligation than a
proson. --Fuller.
[1913 Webster]
3. Any act by which a person becomes bound to do something to
or for another, or to forbear something; external duties
imposed by law, promise, or contract, by the relations of
society, or by courtesy, kindness, etc.
[1913 Webster]
Every man has obligations which belong to his
station. Duties extend beyond obligation, and direct
the affections, desires, and intentions, as well as
the actions. --Whewell.
[1913 Webster]
4. The state of being obligated or bound; the state of being
indebted for an act of favor or kindness; -- often used
with under to indicate being in that state; as, to place
others under obligations to one.
[1913 Webster]
5. (Law) A bond with a condition annexed, and a penalty for
nonfulfillment. In a larger sense, it is an acknowledgment
of a duty to pay a certain sum or do a certain things.
[1913 Webster]
{Days of obligation}. See under {Day}.
{under obligation}, {under an obligation}. in a state of
obligation[4].
[1913 Webster +PJC]