[bond] n [ME band, bond--more at band] (12c) 1: something that binds or restrains: fetter
2: a binding agreement: covenant 3 a: a band or cord used to tie something b: a material or device for binding c: an attractive force that holds together the atoms, ions, or groups of atoms in a molecule or crystal d: an adhesive, cementing material, or fusible ingredient that combines, unites, or strengthens
4: a uniting or binding element or force: tie "the ~s of friendship"
5. a: an obligation made binding by a money forfeit; also: the amount of the money guarantee b: one who acts as bail or surety c: an interest-bearing certificate of public or private indebtedness d: an insurance agreement pledging surety for financial loss caused to another by the act or default of a third person or by some contingency over which the third person may have no control
6: the systematic lapping of brick in a wall 7: the state of goods made, stored, or transported under the care of bonded agencies until the duties or taxes on them are paid 8: a 100-proof straight whiskey aged at least four years under government supervision before being bottled--called also bonded whiskey 9: bond paper
[2]bond vt (1677) 1: to lap (as brick) for solidity of construction
2. a: to secure payment of duties and taxes on (goods) by giving a bond b: to convert into a debt secured by bonds c: to provide a bond for or cause to provide such a bond "~ an employee" 3 a: to cause to adhere firmly b: to embed in a matrix c: to hold together in a molecule or crystal by chemical bonds ~ vi: to hold together or solidify by or as if by means of a bond or binder: cohere -- bond.able adj -- bond.er n [3]bond adj [ME bonde, fr. bonde peasant, serf, fr. OE bonda householder, fr. ON bondi] (14c) archaic: bound in slavery