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Ligature

1. The act of binding.

2. Anything that binds; a Band or bandage.

3. (Science: surgery) a thread or string for tying the blood vessels, particularly the arteries, to prevent hemorrhage. A thread or wire used to remove tumours, etc.

4. The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness; as, the ligature of a joint.

5. Impotence caused by magic or charms.

6. A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.

7. A double character, or a type consisting of two or more letters or characters united, as ae, <filig/, <ffllig/.

Origin: L. Ligatura, fr. Ligare, ligatum, to bind: cf. F. Ligature. Cf. Ally, league, Legatura, liable, Legament.

(Science: surgery) to ligate; to tie.