This due obedience which they ought to the king.
--Tyndale.
The love and duty I long have ought you. --Spelman.
[He] said . . . you ought him a thousand pound.
--Shak.
The knight the which that castle ought. --Spenser.
3. To be bound in duty or by moral obligation.
We then that are strong ought to bear the
infirmities of the weak. --Rom. xv. 1.
4. To be necessary, fit, becoming, or expedient; to behoove;
-- in this sense formerly sometimes used impersonally or
without a subject expressed. ``Well ought us work.''
--Chaucer.
To speak of this as it ought, would ask a volume.
--Milton.
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?
--Luke xxiv.
26.
Note: Ought is now chiefly employed as an auxiliary verb,
expressing fitness, expediency, propriety, moral
obligation, or the like, in the action or state
indicated by the principal verb.
Usage: Both words imply obligation, but ought is the
stronger. Should may imply merely an obligation of
propriety, expendiency, etc.; ought denotes an
obligation of duty.
Thou dost here usurp The name thou ow'st not.
--Shak.
2. To have or possess, as something derived or bestowed; to
be obliged to ascribe (something to some source); to be
indebted or obliged for; as, he owed his wealth to his
father; he owed his victory to his lieutenants. --Milton.
O deem thy fall not owed to man's decree. --Pope.
3. Hence: To have or be under an obigation to restore, pay,
or render (something) in return or compensation for
something received; to be indebted in the sum of; as, the
subject owes allegiance; the fortunate owe assistance to
the unfortunate.
The one ought five hundred pence, and the other
fifty. --Bible
(1551).
A son owes help and honor to his father. --Holyday.
Note: Owe was sometimes followed by an objective clause
introduced by the infinitive. ``Ye owen to incline and
bow your heart.'' --Chaucer.
4. To have an obligation to (some one) on account of
something done or received; to be indebted to; as, to iwe
the grocer for supplies, or a laborer for services.
There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord
has spoken. --Josh. xxi.
45
But go, my son, and see if aught be wanting. --Addison.