bond

A document constituting evidence of a long-term debt, by which the bond issuer (the borrower) is obliged to pay interest when due, and repay the principal at maturity, as specified on the face of the bond certificate. The rights of the hold

A documentary obligation to pay a sum or to perform a contract; a debenture.

Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return.

Many say that government and corporate bonds are a good investment to balance against a portfolio consisting primarily of stocks.

A partial payment made to show a provider that the customer is sincere about buying a product or a service. If the product or service is not purchased the customer then forfeits the bond.

A physical connection which binds, a band.

The prisoner was brought before the tribunal in iron bonds.

An emotional link, connection or union; that which holds two or more people together, as in a friendship; a tie.

They had grown up as friends and neighbors, and not even vastly differing political views could break the bond of their friendship.

1792, Edmund Burke, a letter to Sir Hercules Langrishe on the subject of the Roman Catholics of Ireland a people with whom I have no tie but the common bond of mankind.

To connect, secure or tie with a bond; to bind.

The gargantuan ape was bonded in iron chains and carted onto the stage.

To cause to adhere (one material with another).

The children bonded their snapshots to the scrapbook pages with mucilage.

To form a chemical compound with.

Under unusual conditions, even gold can be made to bond with other elements.

To guarantee or secure a financial risk.

The contractor was bonded with a local underwriter.

The existence of such [criminal] records can and has been a barrier to men who wish to obtain a job that requires bonding (such as working in a bank).

To form a friendship or emotional connection.

The men had bonded while serving together in Vietnam.

A peasant; churl.

A vassal; serf; one held in bondage to a superior.