Lig"a*ture (?), n. [L. ligatura, fr. ligare, ligatum, to bind: cf. f. ligature. Cf. Ally, League, Legatura, Liable, Legament.]
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 ae, fi, ffl.
© Webster 1913.
Lig"a*ture (?), v. t. Surg.
To ligate; to tie.
© Webster 1913.