national debtglossary / national debt national debt. The total financial obligation of the federal government, including such instruments as Treasury bills, notes, and bonds, as well as foreign debt. [Cases: United States 79. C.J.S. United States §§ 153, 169.] 词条贡献者 法律翻译Barbara,毕业于英国一流的高级翻译学院,专注翻译各类与艺术诉讼有关的法律文件。