security

n.; pl. Securities [ L. securitas: cf. F. sécurité. 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 ]