LIGATURE Lig"a*ture, n. Etym: [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.)
Defn: A curve or line connecting notes; a slur.
7. (Print.)
Defn: A double character, or a type consisting of two or more letters or characters united, as æ, fi, ffl.