Bind v. t. (past bound; past part. bound, formerly bounden; pres. part. binding) 1.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.
2.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." "Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years."
3.To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound.
4.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.
5.To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action; as, certain drugs bind the bowels.
6.To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge of a carpet or garment.
7.To sew or fasten together, and inclose in a cover; as, to bind a book.
8.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."
9.(Law) (a)To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations; esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant.
(b)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.
Synonyms: To fetter; tie; fasten; restrain; restrict; oblige.
...
