That which is due from one person to another, whether money, goods, or services; that which one person is bound to pay or perform to another; as the debts of a bankrupt; the debts of a nobleman. It is a common misfortune or vice to be in debt. When you run in debt, you give to another power over your liberty .

That which any one is obliged to do or to suffer. Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt. Hence death is called the debt of nature.

In law, an action to recover a debt. This is a customary ellipsis. He brought debt, instead of an action of debt.

In scripture, sin; trespass; guilt; crime; that which renders liable to punishment. Forgive us our debts. Lord’s Prayer.