binding
    adj 1: executed with proper legal authority; "a binding
           contract"
    n 1: the capacity to attract and hold something
    2: strip sewn over or along an edge for reinforcement or
       decoration
    3: the act of applying a bandage [syn: dressing, bandaging,
       binding]
    4: one of a pair of mechanical devices that are attached to a
       ski and that will grip a ski boot; the bindings should
       release in case of a fall [syn: ski binding, binding]
    5: the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a
       book; "the book had a leather binding" [syn: binding, book
       binding, cover, back]

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.
   [root]90.]
   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.
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   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.
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            He bindeth the floods from overflowing. --Job
                                                  xxviii. 11.
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            Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years.
                                                  --Luke xiii.
                                                  16.
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   3. To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; --
      sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound.
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   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.
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   5. To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action;
      as, certain drugs bind the bowels.
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   6. To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge
      of a carpet or garment.
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   7. To sew or fasten together, and inclose in a cover; as, to
      bind a book.
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   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.
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            Who made our laws to bind us, not himself. --Milton.
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   9. (Law)
      (a) To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations;
          esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant.
          --Abbott.
      (b) To place under legal obligation to serve; to
          indenture; as, to bind an apprentice; -- sometimes
          with out; as, bound out to service.
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   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.
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   Syn: To fetter; tie; fasten; restrain; restrict; oblige.
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Binding \Bind"ing\, n.
   1. The act or process of one who, or that which, binds.
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   2. Anything that binds; a bandage; the cover of a book, or
      the cover with the sewing, etc.; something that secures
      the edge of cloth from raveling.
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   3. pl. (Naut.) The transoms, knees, beams, keelson, and other
      chief timbers used for connecting and strengthening the
      parts of a vessel.
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Binding \Bind"ing\, a.
   That binds; obligatory.
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   Binding beam (Arch.), the main timber in double flooring.
      

   Binding joist (Arch.), the secondary timber in
      double-framed flooring.
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   Syn: Obligatory; restraining; restrictive; stringent;
        astringent; costive; styptic.
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