"Need" in the sense of obligation - how new?

This acception of "need", "To have an obligation (to do something)", is found in the SOED.

6 v;t. Be under a necessity or obligation to do (now esp. in positive and declarative contexts), do (now esp. in positive or interrogative contexts). Also, be recommended or desirable to do. Late Middle English¹

As Late Middle English covers exactly the period from 1350 to 1469, this acceptation of the verb has been in the language for a very long time .

¹ _{indicates the period of first recorded use; when not followed by another period this indication carries also the information that the meaning is still valid in 2000; if a second (ulterior) period follows, then that period is that of last recorded use.}