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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Debt of nature

Debt \Debt\, n. [OE. dette, F. dette, LL. debita, fr. L. debitus owed, p. p. of debere to owe, prop., to have on loan; de- + habere to have. See Habit, and cf. Debit, Due.]

  1. That which is due from one person to another, whether money, goods, or services; that which one person is bound to pay to another, or to perform for his benefit; thing owed; obligation; liability.

    Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt.
    --Shak.

    When you run in debt, you give to another power over your liberty.
    --Franklin.

  2. A duty neglected or violated; a fault; a sin; a trespass. ``Forgive us our debts.''
    --Matt. vi. 12.

  3. (Law) An action at law to recover a certain specified sum of money alleged to be due.
    --Burrill.

    Bond debt, Book debt, etc. See under Bond, Book, etc.

    Debt of nature, death.