I. ˈbänd noun
Etymology: Middle English band, bond — more at band
Date: 12th century
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 bond 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
II. verb
Date: 1677
transitive verb
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
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
intransitive verb
1. : to hold together or solidify by or as if by means of a bond or binder
2. : to form a close relationship especially through frequent association
the new mother bond ed with her child
• bond·able ˈbän-də-bəl adjective
• bond·er noun
III. adjective
Etymology: Middle English bonde, from bonde customary tenant, from Old English bōnda householder, from Old Norse bōndi
Date: 14th century
archaic : bound in slavery