surety
/ˈʃʊɹəti/ noun C2- Certainty.
- That which makes sure; that which confirms; ground of confidence or security.
- A promise to pay a sum of money in the event that another person fails to fulfill an obligation.
- One who undertakes to pay money or perform other acts in the event that his principal fails therein.
- A substitute; a hostage.
- Evidence; confirmation; warrant.
Plural sureties
From the library
A STAG asked a Sheep to lend him a measure of wheat, and said that the Wolf would be his surety.
The Lion replied, “I have no objection, but you must excuse me for requiring you to find surety for your good faith, for how can I trust anyone as a friend who is able to fly away from his bargain whenever he pleases?”
“I would offer myself as your surety and friendly adviser,” said Monte Cristo, “did I not possess a moral distrust of my best friends, and a sort of inclination to lead others to doubt them too; therefore, in departing from this rule, I should (as the actors say) be playing a part quite out of my line, and should, therefore, run the risk of being hissed, which would be an act of folly.”
What encouraged me not to become your surety, but to patronize you?—your father’s name, so well known in Italy and so highly honored.
Learn surety in real texts
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