(v. t.) 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.
(v. t.) 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.
(v. t.) To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; --
sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound.
(v. t.) 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.
(v. t.) To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action;
as, certain drugs bind the bowels.
(v. t.) To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge
of a carpet or garment.
(v. t.) To sew or fasten together, and inclose in a cover; as, to
bind a book.
(v. t.) 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.
(v. t.) To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations; esp.
under the obligation of a bond or covenant.
(v. t.) To place under legal obligation to serve; to indenture;
as, to bind an apprentice; -- sometimes with out; as, bound out to
service.
(v. i.) To tie; to confine by any ligature.
(v. i.) To contract; to grow hard or stiff; to cohere or stick
together in a mass; as, clay binds by heat.
(v. i.) To be restrained from motion, or from customary or natural
action, as by friction.
(v. i.) To exert a binding or restraining influence.
(n.) That which binds or ties.
(n.) Any twining or climbing plant or stem, esp. a hop vine; a
bine.
(n.) Indurated clay, when much mixed with the oxide of iron.
(n.) A ligature or tie for grouping notes.
