n. & v.
n. (usu. in pl.) 1 a limitation; a restriction (beyond the bounds of possibility). 2 a border of a territory; a boundary.
v.tr. 1 (esp. in passive; foll. by by) set bounds to; limit (views bounded by prejudice). 2 be the boundary of. out of bounds 1 outside the part of a school etc. in which one is allowed to be. 2 beyond what is acceptable; forbidden.
[ ME f. AF bounde, OF bonde etc., f. med.L bodina, earlier butina, of unkn. orig. ]