bounden

[ boun-duhn ]

adjective

1. obligatory; compulsory:

   one's bounden duty.

2. Archaic. under obligation; obliged; beholden.

bounden

/ ˈbaʊndən /

adjective

1. morally obligatory (archaic except in the phrase bounden duty )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bounden¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, variant of bound ¹

Example Sentences

Hakon swore fealty to the King, and likewise to afford him such service as he was bounden to give him.

From Project Gutenberg

Man's bounden duty is everywhere and in all things to forward the progress of humanity, which is written in God's law.

From Project Gutenberg

But now I must ask you a painful question; but it is your bounden duty to answer it without reserve.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the bounden duty of those who live together to cultivate the sunny side of life.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact I am beginning to ask whether it be not my bounden duty to stop corresponding with my friends altogether.

From Project Gutenberg