Byndynge

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. The act of tying, fastening or securing things together ; a bond, obligation or restraint that holds someone to a promise or duty
2. Tying or fastening materials together so they stay joined ; a tie, pledge or constraint that keeps a person to an agreement
3. The process of securing objects with cords or ties ; an obligating bond or limitation that keeps someone to a commitment

Etymology: "Byndynge" is a Middle English spelling of the verbal noun "binding," meaning the act of tying or fastening something. The "y" stands in for the "i" of later spelling, and "-ynge" is the medieval form of the "-ing" ending that turns a verb into a noun for an action. The root is Old English "bindan," a strong verb with forms like "band" and "bunden," which goes back to a Germanic base shared with other languages. Its relatives include "band," a strip used to tie things, and "bond," which began as the past participle of "bind" and came to mean a tie or obligation. Those senses of fastening and obligation run through the noun's uses, from tying a sheaf to binding a contract.