SECU'RITY, noun. [Latin securitas.]
1. Protection; effectual defense or safety from danger of any kind; as a chain of forts erected for the security of the frontiers.
2. That which protects or guards from danger. A navy constitutes the security of Great Britain from invasion.
3. Freedom from fear or apprehension; confidence of safety; whence, negligence in providing means of defense. Security is dangerous, for it exposes men to attack when unprepared. Security in sin is the worst condition of the sinner.
4. Safety; certainty. We have no security for peace with Algiers, but the dread of our navy.
5. Anything given or deposited to secure the payment of a debt, or the performance of a contract; as a bond with surety, a mortgage, the indorsement of a responsible man, a pledge, etc.
6. Something given or done to secure peace or good behavior. Violent and dangerous men are obliged to give security for their good behavior, or for keeping the peace. This security
in being bound with one or more sureties in a recognizance to the king or state.
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