[band] n [in senses 1 & 2, fr. ME band, bond something that constricts, fr. ON band; akin to OE bindan to bind; in other senses, fr. ME bande strip, fr. MF, fr. (assumed) VL binda, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG binta fillet; akin to OE bindan to bind, bend fetter] (12c) 1: something that confines or constricts while allowing a degree of movement
2: something that binds or restrains legally, morally, or spiritually
3: a strip serving to join or hold things together: as a: belt
2. b: a cord or strip across the back of a book to which the sections are sewn
4: a thin flat encircling strip esp. for binding: as a: a close-fitting strip that confines material at the waist, neck, or cuff of clothing b: a strip of cloth used to protect a newborn baby's navel--called also bellyband c: a ring of elastic
5. a: a strip (as of living tissue or rock) or a stripe (as on an animal) differentiable (as by color, texture, or structure) from the adjacent material or area b: a more or less well-defined range of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies c: range 7a
6: a narrow strip serving chiefly as decoration: as a: a narrow strip of material applied as trimming to an article of dress b pl: a pair of strips hanging at the front of the neck as part of a clerical, legal, or academic dress c: a ring without raised portions 7: track 1e(2)
[2]band vt (15c) 1: to affix a band to or tie up with a band
2: to finish or decorate with a band
3: to gather together: unite "~ed themselves together for protection" ~ vi: to unite for a common purpose--often used with together "have ~ed together in hopes of attacking the blight that is common to them all --J. B. Conant" -- band.er n [3]band n [MF bande troop, fr. OProv banda, of Gmc origin; akin to Goth bandwo sign, standard--more at banner] (15c): a group of persons, animals, or things; esp: a group of musicians organized for ensemble playing and using chiefly woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments--compare orchestra