English Dictionary: securities | by the DICT Development Group |
1 result for securities | |
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Security \Se*cu"ri*ty\, n.; pl. {Securities}. [L. securitas: cf. F. s[82]curit[82]. 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 of safety; hence, assurance; certainty. His trembling hand had lost the ease, Which marks security to please. --Sir W. Scott. (b) Hence, carelessness; negligence; heedlessness. He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in power. --Shak. (c) Freedom from risk; safety. Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, From firm security. --Shak. Some . . . alleged that we should have no security for our trade. --Swift. 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. Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word. --Macaulay. (b) One who becomes surety for another, or engages himself for the performance of another's obligation. 3. An evidence of debt or of property, as a bond, a certificate of stock, etc.; as, government securities. Syn: Protection; defense; guard; shelter; safety; certainty; ease; assurance; carelessness; confidence; surety; pledge; bail. |