Webster's English Dictionary

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bond

1. bond n [ME, fr. OE bo-nda householder, fr. ON bo-ndi, alter. of 
   b]u-andi, fr. prp. of bu-a to dwell; akin to OE bu-r dwelling - more at 
   BOWER obs  : BONDMAN  - bond aj
2. bond \'ba:nd\ n [ME band, bond - more at BAND] 1: something that binds 
   or restrains : FETTER  2: a binding agreement : COVENANT  3a: a band or 
   cord used to tie something  3b: a material or device for binding  3c: a 
   mechanism by means of which atoms, ions, or groups of atoms are held  
   together in a molecule or crystal - usu. represented in formulas by a line 
   or dot 3d: an adhesive, cementing material, or fusible ingredient that 
   combines, u nites, or strengthens 4: a tie of loyalty, sentiment, or 
   friendship  5a: an obligation made binding by a money forfeit; also : the 
   amoun t of the money guarantee 5b: one who acts as bail or surety  5c: an 
   interest-bearing certificate of public or private indebtedness  5d: an 
   insurance agreement pledging surety for financial loss caused by the  act 
   or default of a person or by some contingency 6: the systematic lapping of 
   brick in a wall  7: the state of goods manufactured, stored, or transported 
   under the care o f bonded agencies until the duties or taxes on them are 
   paid
3. bond \'ba:n-d*-b*l\ vt 1: to lap (as brick) for solidity of construction 
    2a: to secure payment of duties and taxes on (goods) by giving a bond  2b: 
   to convert into a debt secured by bonds  2c: to provide a bond (sense 5d) 
   for or cause to provide such a bond  3a: to cause to adhere firmly  3b: to 
   embed in a matrix  : to hold together or solidify by or as if by means of a 
   bond or binder :: COHERE - bond.able aj