bindv. t.[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. 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.()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. (Job xxviii. 11.)Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years. (Luke xiii. 16.)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. (Milton.)9. (Law) To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations; esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant.()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.()()v. i.1. To tie; to confine by any ligature.()They that reap must sheaf and bind. (Shak.)2. To contract; to grow hard or stiff; to cohere or stick together in a mass; as, clay binds by heat.(Mortimer.)3. To be restrained from motion, or from customary or natural action, as by friction.()4. To exert a binding or restraining influence.(Locke.)n.1. That which binds or ties.()2. Any twining or climbing plant or stem, esp. a hop vine; a bine.()3. (Metal.) Indurated clay, when much mixed with the oxide of iron.(Kirwan.)4. (Mus.) A ligature or tie for grouping notes.()