Binding

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act or process of one who, or that which, binds.

2. Anything that binds; a bandage; the cover of a book, or the cover with the sewing, etc.; something that secures the edge of cloth from raveling.

3. The transoms, knees, beams, keelson, and other chief timbers used for connecting and strengthening the parts of a vessel.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

That binds; obligatory. Binding beam (Arch.), the main timber in double flooring. -- Binding joist (Arch.), the secondary timber in double-framed flooring.

Synonyms: Obligatory; restraining; restrictive; stringent; astringent; costive; styptic.