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.

Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt. --Shak.

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

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

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

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

Debt of nature, death.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)