01 n. The state of being sure; certainty; security.
pl.
Sureties ((#))
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1.
The state of being sure; certainty; security.“Know of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs.” — Gen. xv. 13.“For the more surety they looked round about.” — Sir P. Sidney.
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2.
That which makes sure; that which confirms; ground of confidence or security.“[We] our happy state Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds; On other surety none.” — Milton.
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3.
Security against loss or damage; security for payment, or for the performance of some act.“There remains unpaid A hundred thousand more; in surety of the which One part of Aquitaine is bound to us.” — Shak.
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4.
One who is bound with and for another who is primarily liable, and who is called the principal; one who engages to answer for another's appearance in court, or for his payment of a debt, or for performance of some act; a bondsman; a bail.(Law)“He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it.” — Prov. xi. 15.
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5.
Hence, a substitute; a hostage.
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6.
Evidence; confirmation; warrant.[Obs.]“She called the saints to surety, That she would never put it from her finger, Unless she gave it to yourself.” — Shak.