Ought
OUGHT. [See [[Aught]], the true orthography.]
1. To be held or bound in duty or moral obligation.
These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. [[Matthew 23#23|Matthew 23:23]].
We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak. [[Romans 15#1|Romans 15:1]].
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers. [[Matthew 25#27|Matthew 25:27]].
2. To be necessary; to behoove.
OUGHT not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into glory? [[Luke 24#26|Luke 24:26]].
3. To be fit or expedient in a moral view.
My brethren, these things ought not so to be. [[James 3#10|James 3:10]].
4. As a participle, owed; been indebted to.
The love and duty I long have ought you.
That followed, sir, which to myself I ought
5. In Chaucer's time, it was used impersonally. 'Wel ought us werke, ' that is, well it behooveth us to work.