- Obligation
- Obligation Ob"li*ga"tion, n. [F. obligation. L. obligatio. See
{Oblige}.]
1. The act of obligating.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which obligates or constrains; the binding power of a promise, contract, oath, or vow, or of law; that which constitutes legal or moral duty. [1913 Webster]
A tender conscience is a stronger obligation than a proson. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]
3. Any act by which a person becomes bound to do something to or for another, or to forbear something; external duties imposed by law, promise, or contract, by the relations of society, or by courtesy, kindness, etc. [1913 Webster]
Every man has obligations which belong to his station. Duties extend beyond obligation, and direct the affections, desires, and intentions, as well as the actions. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]
4. The state of being obligated or bound; the state of being indebted for an act of favor or kindness; -- often used with under to indicate being in that state; as, to place others under obligations to one. [1913 Webster]
5. (Law) A bond with a condition annexed, and a penalty for nonfulfillment. In a larger sense, it is an acknowledgment of a duty to pay a certain sum or do a certain things. [1913 Webster]
{Days of obligation}. See under {Day}.
{under obligation}, {under an obligation}. in a state of obligation[4]. [1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.