[tie] n [ME teg, tye, fr. OE teag; akin to ON taug rope, OE teon to pull--more at tow] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, uniting, or drawing something closed; esp: shoelace b (1): a structural element (as a rod or angle iron) holding two pieces together: a tension member in a construction (2): any of the transverse supports to which railroad rails are fastened to keep them in line
2: something that serves as a connecting link: as a: a moral or legal obligation to someone or something typically constituting a restraining power, influence, or duty b: a bond of kinship or affection
3: a curved line that joins two musical notes of the same pitch to denote a single tone sustained through the time value of the two
4. a: an equality in number (as of votes or scores) b: equality in a contest; also: a contest that ends in a draw
5: a method or style of tying or knotting
6: something that is knotted or is to be knotted when worn: as a: necktie b: a low laced shoe: oxford -- tie.less adj
[2]tie vb tied ; ty.ing or tie.ing vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tie b: to form a knot or bow in "~ your scarf" c: to make by tying constituent elements "tied a wreath" "~ a fishing fly"
2. a: to place or establish in relationship: connect b: to unite in marriage c: to unite (musical notes) by a tie d: to join (power systems) electrically
3: to restrain from independence or freedom of action or choice: constrain by or as if by authority, influence, agreement, or obligation
4. a (1): to make or have an equal score with in a contest (2): to equalize (the score) in a game or contest (3): to equalize the score of (a game) b: to provide or offer something equal to: equal ~ vi: to make a tie: as a: to make a bond or connection b: to make an equal score c: to become attached d: to close by means of a tie -- tie into : to attack with vigor -- tie one on slang: to get drunk -- tie the knot : to perform a marriage ceremony; also: to get married