Lig"a*ture (lĭg"ȧ*t?r; 135),
n. [L. ligatura, fr. ligare,
ligatum, to bind: cf. F. ligature. Cf. Ally,
League, Legatura, Liable, Ligament.]
1. The act of binding.
2. Anything that binds; a band or
bandage.
3. (Surg.) (a) A
thread or string for tying the blood vessels, particularly the
arteries, to prevent hemorrhage. (b) A
thread or wire used to remove tumors, etc.
4. The state of being bound or stiffened;
stiffness; as, the ligature of a joint.
5. Impotence caused by magic or charms.
[Obs.]
6. (Mus.) A curve or line connecting
notes; a slur.
7. (Print.) A double character, or a
type consisting of two or more letters or characters united, as
æ, fi, ffl.
Lig"a*ture (lĭg"ȧ*t?r), v.
t. (Surg.) To ligate; to tie.