Dĕbt, n.

(dĕt), n. [O. Fr. debte, now dette, from debita, pl. of debitum, Sp. deuda. See DEBIT.] 1. That which is due from one person to another, whether money, goods, or services; that which one person is bound to pay to another, or to perform for his benefit; that of which payment is liable to be exacted; due; obligation; liability. Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier’s debt. Shak. When you run in debt, you give to another power over your liberty. Franklin.

2. A duty neglected or violated; a fault; a crime; a trespass. “Forgive us our debts.” Matt. vii. 12.
3. (Law.) An action at law to recover a certain specified sum of money alleged to be due. Burrill.