surety

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)Certainty.

   “Know of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs.”

   “For the more surety they looked round about.”

2. (countable, uncountable)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.”

3. (countable, uncountable)A promise to pay a sum of money in the event that another person fails to fulfill an obligation.

   “There remains unpaid A hundred thousand more; in surety of the which One part of Aquitaine is bound to us.”

4. (countable, uncountable)One who undertakes to pay money or perform other acts in the event that his principal fails therein.

   “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it.”

   “Trump’s lawyers said two days ago that to post a bond covering the full amount of the $454m civil fraud judgment against him while he appeals was “a practical impossibility” after 30 surety companies turned him down.”

5. (countable, uncountable)A substitute; a hostage.

   “...It happen’d on a solemn eventide, Soon after He that was our surety died, Two bosom friends, each pensively inclined, The scene of all those sorrows left behind, Sought their own village, busied as they went In musings worthy of the great event: They spake of Him they loved, of Him whose life, Though blameless, had incurr’d perpetual strife, Whose deeds had left, in spite of hostile arts, A deep memorial graven on their hearts...”

6. (countable, uncountable)Evidence; confirmation; warrant.

   “She called the saints to surety, That she would never put it from her finger, Unless she gave it to yourself.”