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.