Bind v. t. [imp. Bound p. p. Bound, formerly Bounden p. pr. & vb. n. 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.   --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 (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.
 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.
 Syn: -- To fetter; tie; fasten; restrain; restrict; oblige.