What does "surety" mean?
Surety: For the more surety they looked round about. Sir P. Sidney.
Additional senses
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it. Prov. xi.
- 5.5. Hence, a substitute; a hostage. Cowper.
- 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.
- 7.To act as surety for. [Obs.] Shak.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00