band
    n 1: an unofficial association of people or groups; "the smart
         set goes there"; "they were an angry lot" [syn: set,
         circle, band, lot]
    2: instrumentalists not including string players
    3: a stripe or stripes of contrasting color; "chromosomes
       exhibit characteristic bands"; "the black and yellow banding
       of bees and wasps" [syn: band, banding, stria,
       striation]
    4: an adornment consisting of a strip of a contrasting color or
       material [syn: band, banding, stripe]
    5: a group of musicians playing popular music for dancing [syn:
       dance band, band, dance orchestra]
    6: a range of frequencies between two limits
    7: a thin flat strip of flexible material that is worn around
       the body or one of the limbs (especially to decorate the
       body)
    8: a cord-like tissue connecting two larger parts of an
       anatomical structure [syn: isthmus, band]
    9: jewelry consisting of a circlet of precious metal (often set
       with jewels) worn on the finger; "she had rings on every
       finger"; "he noted that she wore a wedding band" [syn:
       ring, band]
    10: a driving belt in machinery
    11: a thin flat strip or loop of flexible material that goes
        around or over something else, typically to hold it together
        or as a decoration
    12: a strip of material attached to the leg of a bird to
        identify it (as in studies of bird migration) [syn: band,
        ring]
    13: a restraint put around something to hold it together
    v 1: bind or tie together, as with a band
    2: attach a ring to the foot of, in order to identify; "ring
       birds"; "band the geese to observe their migratory patterns"
       [syn: ring, band]

Band \Band\ (b[a^]nd), n. [OE. band, bond, Icel. band; akin to
   G., Sw., & D. band, OHG. bant, Goth. bandi, Skr. bandha a
   binding, bandh to bind, for bhanda, bhandh, also to E. bend,
   bind. In sense 7, at least, it is fr. F. bande, from OHG.
   bant. [root]90. See Bind, v. t., and cf. Bend, Bond,
   1st Bandy.]
   1. A fillet, strap, or any narrow ligament with which a thing
      is encircled, or fastened, or by which a number of things
      are tied, bound together, or confined; a fetter.
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            Every one's bands were loosed.        --Acts xvi.
                                                  26.
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   2. (Arch.)
      (a) A continuous tablet, stripe, or series of ornaments,
          as of carved foliage, of color, or of brickwork, etc.
      (b) In Gothic architecture, the molding, or suite of
          moldings, which encircles the pillars and small
          shafts.
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   3. That which serves as the means of union or connection
      between persons; a tie. "To join in Hymen's bands."
      --Shak.
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   4. A linen collar or ruff worn in the 16th and 17th
      centuries.
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   5. pl. Two strips of linen hanging from the neck in front as
      part of a clerical, legal, or academic dress.
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   6. A narrow strip of cloth or other material on any article
      of dress, to bind, strengthen, ornament, or complete it.
      "Band and gusset and seam." --Hood.
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   7. A company of persons united in any common design,
      especially a body of armed men.
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            Troops of horsemen with his bands of foot. --Shak.
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   8. A number of musicians who play together upon portable
      musical instruments, especially those making a loud sound,
      as certain wind instruments (trumpets, clarinets, etc.),
      and drums, or cymbals; as, a high school's marching band.
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   9. (Bot.) A space between elevated lines or ribs, as of the
      fruits of umbelliferous plants.
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   10. (Zool.) A stripe, streak, or other mark transverse to the
       axis of the body.
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   11. (Mech.) A belt or strap.
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   12. A bond. [Obs.] "Thy oath and band." --Shak.
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   13. Pledge; security. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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   Band saw, a saw in the form of an endless steel belt, with
      teeth on one edge, running over wheels.

   big band, a band that is the size of an orchestra, usually
      playing mostly jazz or swing music. The big band typically
      features both ensemble and solo playing, sometimes has a
      lead singer, and is often located in a night club where
      the patrons may dance to its music. The big bands were
      popular from the late 1920's to the 1940's. Contrasted
      with combo, which has fewer players.
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Band \Band\, v. t.
   To bandy; to drive away. [Obs.]
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Band \Band\,
   imp. of Bind. [Obs.]                         --Spenser.
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Band \Band\ (b[a^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Banded; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Banding.]
   1. To bind or tie with a band.
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   2. To mark with a band.
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   3. To unite in a troop, company, or confederacy. "Banded
      against his throne." --Milton.
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   Banded architrave, Banded pier, Banded shaft, etc.
      (Arch.), an architrave, pier, shaft, etc., of which the
      regular profile is interrupted by blocks or projections
      crossing it at right angles.
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Band \Band\, v. i.
   To confederate for some common purpose; to unite; to conspire
   together.
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         Certain of the Jews banded together.     --Acts xxiii.
                                                  12.
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