Sure·ty n.; pl. Sureties
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.
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. 15.
5. Hence, a substitute; a hostage.
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.