† preobligev.
Obsolete.
transitive. To oblige in advance; to bind by previous obligation. Chiefly in passive.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > bind (a person) morally or legally [verb (transitive)] > in advance
pre-engage1638
preoblige1644
pregage1655
1644 P. Hunton Vindic. Treat. Monarchy iii. 17 I grant a people (not preobliged) fully overcome should much sin against Gods providence by obstinacie.
1668 S. Franco Truth Springing 25 Onely the two last were commanded to Noah (to the other five he was preobliged).
a1694 J. Tillotson Serm. (1742) VI. lxxxv. 1363 Nor lastly, was he pre-obliged by any kindness or benefit from us.
a1716 J. Edwards Theologia Reformata (1726) 251 My Meaning is, that where we are not pre-obliged and determined by other Laws, we must consult the Satisfaction of our weak Brethren, tho' it be to our Reproach and Damage.
1748 Coll. Scarce & Valuable Tracts IV. 488 Whether the Convention taking such an Oath, were not preobliged, not only to establish Prelacy; but also to turn out all Soldiers and Purchasers, in any such Lands belonging to the Crown.
1855 tr. P. Quesnel Gospels II. xviii. 577 Judas,..preobliged by so many favours, is thrown down, but not converted.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online September 2018).
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