Sureties

Surety Sure"ty, n.; pl. {Sureties}. [OE. seurte, OF. se["u]rt['e], F. s[^u]ret['e]. See {Sure}, {Security}.] 1. The state of being sure; certainty; security. [1913 Webster]

Know of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs. --Gen. xv. 13. [1913 Webster]

For the more surety they looked round about. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]

2. That which makes sure; that which confirms; ground of confidence or security. [1913 Webster]

[We] our happy state Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds; On other surety none. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. Security against loss or damage; security for payment, or for the performance of some act. [1913 Webster]

There remains unpaid A hundred thousand more; in surety of the which One part of Aquitaine is bound to us. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4. (Law) 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. [1913 Webster]

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it. --Prov. xi. 15. [1913 Webster]

5. Hence, a substitute; a hostage. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

6. Evidence; confirmation; warrant. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

She called the saints to surety, That she would never put it from her finger, Unless she gave it to yourself. --Shak. [1913 Webster]