The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.
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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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.
--Job xxviii. 11.Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years.
--Luke xiii. 16. To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; -- sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound.
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.
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.
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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.
--Milton. -
(Law)
To 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 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.
Syn: To fetter; tie; fasten; restrain; restrict; oblige.