- Security
- Security Se*cu"ri*ty, n.; pl. {Securities}. [L. securitas: cf.
F. s['e]curit['e]. See {Secure}, and cf. {Surety}.]
1. The condition or quality of being secure; secureness.
Specifically:
(a) Freedom from apprehension, anxiety, or care;
confidence of power or safety; hence, assurance;
certainty.
[1913 Webster]
His trembling hand had lost the ease, Which marks security to please. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster] (b) Hence, carelessness; negligence; heedlessness. [1913 Webster]
He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in power. --Shak. [1913 Webster] (c) Freedom from risk; safety. [1913 Webster]
Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, From firm security. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Some . . . alleged that we should have no security for our trade. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
2. That which secures or makes safe; protection; guard; defense. Specifically: (a) Something given, deposited, or pledged, to make certain the fulfillment of an obligation, the performance of a contract, the payment of a debt, or the like; surety; pledge. [1913 Webster]
Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster] (b) One who becomes surety for another, or engages himself for the performance of another's obligation. [1913 Webster]
3. An evidence of debt or of property, as a bond, a certificate of stock, etc.; as, government securities. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Protection; defense; guard; shelter; safety; certainty; ease; assurance; carelessness; confidence; surety; pledge; bail. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.