01 n. A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on the performance of…
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A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on the performance of which the person is to be released.“Your hostages I have, so have you mine; And we shall talk before we fight.” — Shak.“He that hath a wife and children hath given hostages to fortune.” — Bacon.