securities

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]