under an obligation
(gcide) | Obligation \Ob"li*ga"tion\, n. [F. obligation. L. obligatio. See
Oblige.]
1. The act of obligating.
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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.
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A tender conscience is a stronger obligation than a
proson. --Fuller.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Days of obligation. See under Day.
under obligation, under an obligation. in a state of
obligation[4].
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