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debt

Debt Debt, n. [OE. dette, F. dette, LL. debita, fr. L. debitus owed, p. p. of debere to owe, prop., to have on loan; de- + habere to have. See Habit, and cf. Debit, Due.] 1. That which is due from one person to another, whether money, goods, or services; that which one person is bound to pay to another, or to perform for his benefit; thing owed; obligation; liability. [1913 Webster]

Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier s debt. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

When you run in debt, you give to another power over your liberty. --Franklin. [1913 Webster]

2. A duty neglected or violated; a fault; a sin; a trespass. ``Forgive us our debts. --Matt. vi. 12. [1913 Webster]

3. (Law) An action at law to recover a certain specified sum of money alleged to be due. --Burrill. [1913 Webster]

{Bond debt}, {Book debt}, etc. See under Bond, Book, etc.

{Debt of nature}, death. [1913 Webster]