Ŏb'li-gā'tion, n.

[Lat. obligatio, Fr. obligation, Pr. obligatio, Sp. obligacion, It. obligazione.]

1. The act of obligating or binding.
2. That which obligates; the binding power of a vow, promise, oath, or contract, or of law, civil, political, or moral, independent of a promise; that which constitutes legal or moral duty.

A tender conscience is a stronger obligation than a prison. Fuller. An obligation is something which constrains or induces us to act. Jeffrey. 3. Especially, 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, by civility, courtesy, kindness, and the like. 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.

4. The state of being obligated or bound; the state of being indebted for an act of favor or kindness; as, a generous man often places others under obligations to him.
5. (Law.) A bond with a condition annexed, and a penalty for non-fulfillment.