ligature

noun

1. (uncountable)The act of tying or binding something.
2. (countable)A cord or similar thing used to tie something; especially the thread used in surgery to close a vessel or duct.

   “anti-ligature clothing”

   “I likewiſe felt ſeveral ſlender Ligatures acroſs my Body, from my Armpits to my Thighs. I could only look upwards, the Sun began to grow hot, and the Light offended mine Eyes.”

   “He hid shoelaces or rope under cushions to use as ligatures.”

3. (countable, uncountable)A thread or wire used to remove tumours, etc.
4. (countable, uncountable)The state of being bound or stiffened; stiffness.

   “the ligature of a joint”

5. (countable)A character that visually combines multiple letters, such as æ, œ, ß or ij; also logotype. Sometimes called a typographic ligature.
6. (countable)A group of notes played as a phrase, or the curved line that indicates such a phrase.
7. (countable, uncountable)A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
8. (countable)A piece used to hold a reed to the mouthpiece on woodwind instruments.
9. (countable, uncountable)Any binding, uniting, or restraining principle or agency.
10. (countable, uncountable)A spell or charm that induces sexual impotence.

    “The Roman epic poet Vergil refers to the incapacitating effects of ligatures, while Ovid, the erotic poet, admits the power of such spell-bindings.”

verb

1. To ligate; to tie.