in general, denotes any act where by a person becomes bound to another to do something; as to pay a sum of money, be surety, or the like.

Obligations are of three kinds, viz. natural, civil, and mixed. Natural obligations are entirely founded on natural equity; civil obligations on civil authority alone, without any foundation in natural equity; and mixed obligations are those which, being founded on natural equity, are farther enforced by civil authority.

In a legal sense, obligation signifies a bond, wherein is contained a penalty, with a condition annexed, for the payment of money, &c. The difference between it and a bill is, that the latter is generally without a penalty or condition, though it may be made obligatory; and obligations are sometimes by matter of record, as statutes and recognizances. See the article Bond.

Moral Obligation. See Moral Philosophy, No. 58, &c.